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THE WORKS
OF
ARCHBISHOP LAUD.
LONDON :
K. CLAT, PRINTER, BREAD STREET HILL.
THE
WORKS
OP THE
MOST REVEREND FATHER IN GOD,
WILLIAM LAUD, D.D.
SOMETIME LORD ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY.
VOL. VII.
LETTERS.
OXFORD :
JOHN HENRY PARKER.
M DCCC LX.
PREFACE.
CONSIDERABLE delay has taken place in the publication of
this Volume, from the difficulty of bringing together the
materials of which it is composed, and of obtaining accurate
transcripts.
It is at length completed, and contains, with the previous
Volumes, everything written by Archbishop Laud which
has come under the knowledge of the Editor.
With regard to a collection of Observations on the Prayer-
book, preserved in the Lambeth Library and printed in
the Supplement to NichonV Commentary on the Book of
Common Prayer, 1711, there do not appear to be suffi
cient grounds for believing them to have been written
by Archbishop Laud to justify their insertion among his
works.
The larger part of the Letters in this Volume was obtained
by the kind permission of Earl Fitzwilliam, from the Went-
worth Papers, in the possession of his Lordship, to whom
the best thanks of the Editor are due, for the unhesitating
vi PREFACE.
manner in which the use of these papers was most obligingly
conceded.
A portion of the correspondence between Strafford (to use
the title by which he is most commonly known) and Laud
had already been published, as is well known, in the Straf
ford Papers, edited by Dr. Knowler. The letters of Arch
bishop Laud now printed constitute the remainder of that
correspondence on the part of the Archbishop. They are
in many cases replies to letters of Strafford contained in
Dr. Knowler's selection, or else are letters to which
Strafford's letters there printed are the answers. The corre
spondence on the Archbishop's part is further completed
by the publication of several portions of letters omitted
by Dr. Knowler, and likewise of several long and inter
esting " Side Papers " to letters printed in that series.
It was found impossible to comprise Wentworth's Letters
in this collection, as they would have added so very
considerably to the bulk of this Volume. These letters
are not preserved in Laud's hand, but in transcripts made
at the time, the originals having been destroyed.
Large portions of these letters are in cipher. The original
cipher has been, for obvious reasons, retained, though its
interpretation, for convenience' sake, is printed above, on the
plan pursued by the Editor of the " Bromley Letters."
The Cipher Table itself is printed separately, at the
beginning of this series of Letters.
The thanks of the Editor are likewise due to the Rev.
the President of St. John's College, Oxford, for permitting
transcripts to be made of such of Laud's letters as are
PREFACE. vil
there preserved, and for his careful supervision of the
transcriber's copies.
A few remarks must be Coffered on the letters which
were obtained from the State Paper Office. It will be
seen that they were found in several different departments
of that collection. Some of them could not have been
discovered unless the papers had been in process of arrange
ment, and every assistance, and even casual information,
had been furnished by the officers of the several depart
ments.
It may be added, that these papers appear to have been,
many of them, among those which passed into the hands
of Prynne on their being carried off from the Archbishop's
study. Many of them are docketed by Prynne, with
references to the particular charges they were intended to
support. Besides these letters, there are other papers in
Laud's handwriting, of a private character, such as accounts
of money expended on the Chapel at Lambeth, and receipts
for money advanced, during the progress of the works,
for the buildings at St. John's. There are also many
letters to Laud from Bishops Hall, Cosins, Bramhall, and
others, which, however interesting, could not, for the reason
mentioned above, be included in this collection.
It has been considered desirable to prepare a tabular state
ment of the sources, both printed and MS., from which the
letters, in both this and the previous volume, were obtained,
and a Chronological Table, which will compensate, as far as
possible, for the dislocation which has been caused by the
publication of the Letters in two series, in consequence of
Vlll PREFACE.
the recent discoveries of so many unpublished letters, both
in the State Paper Office and elsewhere.
These, together with the Cipher Table, will be found at
the end of this Preface.
A copious Index to the Third and succeeding Volumes is
printed at the end of the Volume.
JAMES BLISS.
PLYMOUTH,
May 9, 1860.
TABLE OF SOURCES FROM WHICH THE LETTERS
WERE OBTAINED.
PRINTED SOURCES.
Baillie's Letters and Papers. LVIII. LXXIV. LXXX. xc. xcvu. cm. cxi.
Beuzelii Dissertatio de Durseo. xcvm.
Brnce's Account of Laud's Berkshire Benefactions, cxxvu. cxxvm. CLXXX.
CLXXXII. CLXXXVII. CLXXXVIII. CXCI. CXCII. CXCIV. CXOV.
Cabala, v. vi. vn.
Christian Remembrancer. LXXVII.
Clarendon State Papers. CLIX.
Cotelerii Patres Apostolici. CLXXIV.
Dalrymple's Memoirs, cc.
Ellis's Original Letters, iv. cxxxvm.
Fasti Aberdonenses. LXXXIX.
General Dictionary. CLXXXIX.
Gentleman's Magazine, cxcvm. cxcix. CCCCXLVIII. CCCCXLIX. CCCCL.
Hearne's Curious Discourses, cxcin.
Laud's History (by Wharton). cxvui.
Nichols's Leicestershire, i.
Prsestantium Yirorum Epistolae (a Ph. Limborch). xn. xm. xix. LXIT.
CLXXI.
Prynne, Canterbury's Doom. n. m. XXL xxxv. XLVII. L. LI. LXVIII.
LXXVIII. LXXXVIT. CIX. CXX. CLXXVII. CLXXVIII. CXO.
— , Hidden Works, vm. cxm. cxv. cxix. CXLI. CXLII. CXLIV.
CXLV. CLXVII. CLXIX.
Rawdon Papers, by Berwick. CL. CLVII.
Rushworth's Collections. CLXIII. CLXIV. CCITT.
Sidney Papers (by Arthur Collins), cccxxv.
Somers' Tracts, cxcvi.
Steven's History of Heriot's Hospital. XLVI. civ.
Strafforde Letters, xxxvii. XLI. XLII. XLVIII. XLIX. LIIT. LXV. LXVI.
LXIX. LXXV. LXXIX. LXXXI. LXXXII. XCI. C. CV. CVI. CXIV.
CXXIII. — CXXV. CXLIII. CXLVI. — CXLVIII. CLIII. CLVI. CLVIII. CLX.
— CLXII. CLXVI.
Twells's Life of Pocock. CLII. CLXXIX. CLXXXI.
Ussher's Life (by Parr), xv. xvii. xvni. xx. xxn. xxin. en. cxxvi.
Works (by Elrington). CLXXXVI.
Vossii Epistolse. x. xi. xiv. xvi. xxiv. xxxn. xxxiv. xxxvi.
XXXVIII. — XL. XCIX. CXVII. CXXII. CXXXIX. CLXX. CLXXXIII.
Ward's Lives of Gresham Professors, xxxi.
Whitlock's Memorials. CXLIX.
Wilkins' Concilia. LIT. LIX. LX. LXVII. LXXIII. LXXXIV. xcn. ci.
cxxxvi.
Wood's Athense Oxon. cxn.
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP 7>
TABLE OF SOURCES.
MSS. SOURCES.
British Museum, ix. LV. cxvi. CLTV. CLV.
Crowder, Rev. J. H. ccxxxix.
Gresley, Rev. J. M. ccccvn.
Lambeth Library, xxv. xxvin. xxix. XLIII. — XLV. LIV. LVI. LXI.
LXIII. LXIV. LXX. LXXII. LXXVI. LXXXV. LXXXVI. LXXXV1II.
XCIII.— XCVT. CVII. CVTII. CXXIX. — CXXXV. CLT. CLXXIT. CLXXV.
CLXXXIV. OLXXXV.
Laud's Register, ex. cxxi. cxxxvu. CXL.
Mickleton and Spearman MSS. at Durham. CLXV. CLXVIII. CLXXIII. CLXXVI.
New College, Oxford, ccccv.
Overstone, Lord. CCCCXLV.
Queen's College, Oxford, xxx. XXXIIT.
Russell, Rev. J. F. LXXI.
St. John's College, Oxford, cci. ecu. cciv. coxvi. ccxxxvm. ccxci.
CCCIII. CCCVIII. CCCXXXII. CCCLXV. CCCLXXXII. CCCCIV. eCCCXVII.
CCCCXXI. CCCCXXIV. CCCCXXXI. CCCCLI. CCCCL1I.
State Paper Office :—
(1) Conway Papers. CCCLVII. CCCCXLIV. CCCCXLVI.
(2) Domestic Correspondence, ccv. — ccxv. ccxvu. — ccxxxn. ccxxxiv.
CCXXXVI. CCXXXVII. CCXL. — CCXLII. CCXLIV. CCXLVI. CCLII. COLV.
CCLVI. CCLXX. CCLXXI. CCLXXIII. CCLXXVIII. CCXCVI. CCCV.
CCOIX. CCOXI. CCCXII. CCCXV. CCCXVII. CCCXXIX. CCCXXX.
CCCXXXVI. CCCXLIII. CCCXLIX. CCCLI. CCCLIII. CCCLX. CCCLXI.
CCCLXXVI. CCCLXXIX. CCCLXXXIII. CCCLXXXIX. CCCXCVI. CCCCIII.
CCCOXIII. CCCOXXIII. CCCCXXXVII. CCCCXXXTX. CCCCXLI. CCCCXLIII.
CCCCXLVII.
(3) German Correspondence. ccxxxin. ccxxxv. CCLXXX. CCLXXXI.
CCLXXXIV. CCLXXXVIII. CCC. CCCIV. CCCVII. CCCX. CCCXVI. CCCXXII.
CCCXXVIII. CCCXXXV. CCOXXXIX. CCCXLVIII. CCOLV. CCCLVIII.
CCCLIX. CCCLXXXVII. CCCLXXXVIII. CCCXCII. CCCXCIV. CCCXCV.
CCCXCIX. CCCCI. CCCCXV. CCCCXVIII. CCCCXXV. CCCCXXVIII.
ccccxxix. ccccxxxir. ccccxxxvi. ccccxxxvra. CCCCXL. CCCCXLII.
(4) Irish Correspondence, cccxiv. cccxix. cccxxni. CCCLXIV. ccccxxx.
(5) Spanish Correspondence. CCCLIV. CCCLXVI.
(6) Swedish Correspondence. CCL. CCLIV. CCLXIV.
Wentworth MSS. CCXLIII. CCXLV. COXLVII. — CCXLIX. ecu. CCLIII.
CCLVII. — CCLXIII. CCLXV. — OCLXIX. CCLXXII. CCLXXIV. — CCLXXVII.
COLXXIX. CCLXXXII. CCLXXXIII. CCLXXXV. CCLXXXVII. CCLXXXIX.
CCXC. CCXCII. — CCXCV. CCXCVII. — CCXCIX. CCCI. CCCII. CCCVI.
cccxiii. CCCXVIIL— cccxxi. ccexxiv. cccxxvi. ccoxxvii. cccxxxi.
CCCXXXIII. CCCXXXIV. CCCXXXVII. CCCXXXVIII. CCCXL. — CCCXLII.
CCOXLIV. CCCXLVII. CCCL. CCCLII. CCCLVI. CCCLXTI. CCCLXIII.
CCCLXVII. — CCCLXXV. CCCLXXVII. CCCLXXVIII. CCCLXXX. CCCLXXXI.
CCCLXXXIV. — CCCLXXXVI. CCCXC. CCCXCI. CCCXCIII. CCCXCVII.
CCCXOVIII. CCCC. CCCCII. CCCCVI. CCCCVIII. — CCCCXII. CCCCXIV.
ccccxvi. ccccxix. ccccxx. ccccxxii. ccccxxvi. ccccxxvn.
Tanner MSS. xxvi. xxvu. LVII. LXXXIIT. cxcvn.
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF LETTERS.
1611. PAGE
Feb. 27. To Sir David Williams Vol. VII. 1
1613.
March 16. To Sir Thomas Lake Vol. VII. 2
1615.
April 18. To Richard Neile, Bishop of Lincoln .... Vol. VII. 3
1616.
Oct. 21. To Sir William Herrick Vol. VI. 238
Feb. 27. To Miles Smith, Bishop of Gloucester ... 239
March 3. To Richard Neile, Bishop of Lincoln .... 240
1619.
Aug. 21. To the Mayor of Oxford Vol. VII. 4
1623.
Nov. 23. To Sir Robert Cotton Vol. VI. 242
1624.
Nov. 18. To the Duke of Buckingham Vol. VI. 243
1625.
Aug. 2. To the Duke of Buckingham Vol. VI. 245
Dec. 13. To the same 247
Jan. 14. To Dr. Aubrey 248
16. To the Duke of Buckingham 249
1626.
Sept. 30. To the Lord Viscounj^Conway Vol. VII. 6
1627.
April — To George Montaigne, Bishop of London . . . Vol. VII. 7
Aug. 20. To the Lord Viscount Conway 8
Aug. 27. To Sir John Coke 8
Sept. 25. To G. J. Vossius Vol. VI. 250
Dec. 22. To the same . — 251
Jan. 28. To Dr. William Smith, Warden of Wadham Col. Vol. VII. 9
Feb. 20. To the Lord Viscount Conway 12
1628.
March 26. To G. J. Vossius Vol. VI. 252
July 2. To the Lord Viscount Conway Vol. VII. 14
Aug. 5. To G. J. Vossius Vol. VI. 253
7)2
xii CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF LETTERS.
Aug. 26. To the Lord Viscount Conway
PAGE
Vol. VII. 15
Sept. 6. To King Charles ....
16
Oct. 7. To the Lord Viscount Conway
18
25. To G. J. Vossius
Vol. VI. 255
Jan. 2. To Sir Robert Heath
Vol. VII. 19
26. To Dr. Juxon, President of St. John's ....
20
29. To James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh . .
Vol. VI. 258
Feb. 25. To the Lord Viscount Dorchester
Vol. VII. 20
1629.
May 10. To G. J. Vossius
Vol. VI. 259
June 16. To James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh . .
— 260
— 25. To the same
— 262
July 4. To Mr. Edward Nicholas
Vol. VII. 21
— 14. To G. J. Vossius
Vol. VI. 263
Aug. 4. To Thomas Dove, Bishop of Peterborough . .
Vol. VII. 22
— 9. To the Lord Viscount Dorchester
23
Dec. 7- To James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh . .
Vol. VI. 266
— 10. To the Lord Viscount Dorchester
Vol. VII. 23
— 10. To the Earl of Mulgrave
24
— 12. To the Lord Viscount Dorchester
27
— 28. To Sir John Coke
28
— 29. To the Earl of Mulgrave
29
Jan. 2. To the Lord Viscount Dorchester
32
— 4. To the Archdeacon of London
Vol. VI. 268
— 5. To the Lord Viscount Dorchester
Vol. VII. 33
26. To the same , ,
35
Feb. 23. To James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh . .
Vol. VI. 270
1630.
June . To Edward Stanley, Schoolmaster of Winchester
Vol. VII. 36
July 5. To James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh . «
Vol. VI. 272
21. To G. J. Vossius
275
Sept. 10. To Dr. Robert Pinke
— 278
Aug. 7. From William Bedell, Bishop of Eilmore . . .
280
Sept. 11. To the same
284
12. To Dr. Robert Pinke
— 288
30. To the Lord Viscount Dorchester
Vol. VII. 37
Oct. 1. To Dr. Robert Pinke
Vol. VI. 289
— 15. To Dr. Christopher Potter
291
Dec. 9. To Dr. Brooke
— 292
Jan. 21. To G. J. Vossius
— 292
Feb. 11. To Dr. Christopher Potter
294
1631.
April 14. To Sir John Lambe
. Vol. VII. 38
July 10. To Lord Cottington
39
Aug. 27. To the Queen of Bohemia
40
Sept. 29. To the Lord Viscount Dorchester . . . >
41
Nov. 7. To G. J. Vossius . ...
. Vol. VI. 296
Jan. 27. To Sir Henry Vane ....... . *
. Vol. VII. 42
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF LETTERS. Xlll
1632.
PAGE
May 27. To Dr. Thomas Comber Vol. VI. 298
June 13. To Secretary Windebank Vol. VII. 43
July 3. To G. J. Vossius Vol. VI. 298
30. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 300
Sept. 7. To Sir John Lambe Vol. VII. 44
Dec. 24. To Dr. Juxon, President of St. John's . ... 45
26. To G. J. Vossius Vol. VI. 303
Jan. 4. To the same 304
Feb. 15. To the same 305
1633.
April 30. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VI. 307
Aug. 23. To Mr. Richard Sterne Vol. VII. 47
31. To Sir Thomas Roe 48
Sept. 2. To Sir John Lambe 49
— 9. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VI. 310
12. To Sir Thomas Roe Vol. VII. 50
. From John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln . . . Vol. VI. 312
— 16. To the same 314
— 19. From the same — 316
Oct. . To the Provost of Edinburgh 318
— 4. To William Pierce, Bishop of Bath and Wells . 319
— 14. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 320
— 14. To William Bedell, Bishop of Kilmore .... 324
18. To Dr. Christopher Potter 326
— 24. To the Bishops of his Province 327
28. To the same 329
Nov. 15. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 330
Dec. . From John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln . . . 335
— 2. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VII. 51
9. To Mons. de Vic Vol. VI. 337
11. To John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln .... 337
19. To the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury . . . Vol. VII. 55
— 20. To Dr. Richard Astley Vol. VI. 339
Jan. 13. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VII. 56
14. To Adam Ballanden, Bishop of Dunblane . . . Vol. VI. 340
18. To His Majesty's Printers 342
31. To the Bishops of his Province 344
Feb. 2. From John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln ... 345
— 6. To Godfrey Goodman, Bishop of Gloucester . . Vol. VII. 62
— 24. To G. J. Vossius Vol. VI. 346
25. To John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln .... 348
March 7. From John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln . . . 351
— 11. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 352
— 11. To the same 358
— 12. To William Noye 360
— . To Lancelot Bulkeley, Archbishop of Dublin . . 361
— 21. To Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork — 364
XIV CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF LETTERS.
1634.
PAGE
March 27. From John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln . . . Vol. VI. 365
— . 29. To the Lord Viscount Scudainore — 366
— 31. To John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln .... — 368
Apr. ad init. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VII. 63
- 12. To the same 65
- 15. To the same 71
22. To Sir Thomas Roe 73
- 28. To the Lord-Mayor of London Vol. VI. 369
May 6. To Adam Ballanden, Bishop of Dunblane . . . 370
14. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth — 372
- 16. To John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln .... 378
June 3. To Sir William Bellasys — 379
- 17. To the Merchants at Delft — 380
- 23. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth — 381
— 23. To the same Vol. VII. 75
July 1. To Adam Ballanden, Bishop of Dunblane . . . Vol. VI. 383
3. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 384
- 10. To the same 385
- 20. To King Charles Vol. VII. 81
Aug. 1. To Dr. Richard Astley, Warden of All Souls . . Vol. VI. 386
2. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VII. 83
16. To Edmund Griffith, Bishop of Bangor . . . . Vol. VI. 389
- 25. To John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln .... 390
- 25. To Sir Thomas Roe Vol. VII. 86
Sept. 13 To Godfrey Goodman, Bishop of Gloucester . . 88
- 15. To John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln .... Vol. VI. 391
— 22. To the Clerk of the Signet — 392
— 22. From John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln ... — 393
- 22. To the Dean and Chapter of Hereford . ... Vol. VII. 90
- 23. To Patrick Forbes, Bishop of Aberdeen . . . Vol. VI. 394
Oct. 4. To Adam Ballanden, Bishop of Dunblane ... —395
9. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VII. 92
- 20. To the same Vol. VI. 396
26. To the same Vol. VII. 93
- 31. To the same 94
Dec. 3. To the same 95
3. To the Dean and Chapter of Norwich .... Vol. VI. 403
— 18. From John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln ... — 405
- 22. To John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln .... — 405
— 29. From John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln . . . 406
Jan. 10. To John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln .... — 407
12. To Adam Ballanden, Bishop of Dunblane ... 409
- 12. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VII. 97
19. To the same 110
Feb. 10. To the same , 111
10. ToJohnDury , . 112
— 10. To the same . Vol. VI. 410
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF LETTERS. XV
PAGE
Feb. 27. To G. J. Vossius Vol. VI. 411
March 4. To the Lord Viscount Weutworth 414
— 4. To the same Vol. VII. 113
[This is a passage omitted in original edition
of the former letter.]
1635.
March 27.
To the same
Vol. VII
, 114
April
20.
To the same
—
120
—
21.
To the same
—
123
—
28.
To the same
—
124
May
2.
To the Queen of Bohemia
—
126
—
2.
To the Elector Palatine
—
127
—
8.
To the Bishops of his Province
Vol. VI.
417
—
10.
To James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh . . .
—
418
—
12.
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
Vol. VII.
127
—
19.
To Adam Ballanden, Bishop of Dunblane .
Vol. VI.
419
—
19.
To the Provost of Edinburgh .......
—
420
—
25.
To the Mayor of Canterbury
Vol. VII.
134
—
26.
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
—
137
June
4.
To the same
—
138
—
12.
To the same
—
138
—
17.
To the same
Vol. VI.
421
—
30.
To the same
Vol. VII.
148
— ad fin.
To the University of Oxford
—
148
July
6.
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
Vol. VI.
422
—
14.
To the same
Vol. VII.
150
—
15.
From John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln . . .
Vol. VI.
425
—
17.
To the same
—
428
—
22.
To the Queen of Bohemia
Vol. VII.
151
—
26.
To the Elector Palatine
—
153
—
30.
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
—
154
July
31 ^
and J.
To the same
—
155
Aug.
3.J
—
19.
To the Dutch Congregations at Norwich . . .
Vol. VI.
432
Sept.
2.
To Dr. Robert Pinke, Warden of New College .
—
433
—
11.
To the Queen of Bohemia
Vol. VII.
167
—
16.
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
169
—
18.
To the same
—
170
—
19.
To John Maxwell, Bishop of Ross
Vol. VI.
434
Oct.
4.
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
Vol. VII.
171
—
6.
To the Queen of Bohemia
—
185
—
12.
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
—
188
—
12.
To the same
—
190
—
16.
To the President and Fellows of St. John's . .
—
191
—
21.
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth .....
—
197
—
23.
To Dr. Richard Astley, Warden of All Souls . .
Vol. VI.
437
—
26.
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth . . .
Vol. VII.
200
Nov.
3.
To the same
—
202
xvi CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF LETTERS.
PAGE
Nov. 10. To John Spottiswoode, Archbishop of St.
Andrew's '.'.' Vol. VI. 438
— 16. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 440
30. To the same Vol. VII. 202
Dec. 1. To John Spottiswoode, Archbishop of St.
Andrew's Vol. VI. 443
— 16. To the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury . . . Vol. VII. 215
— 18. To Dr. Richard Astley, Warden of All Souls' . Vol. VI. 444
Jan. 1. To G. J. Vossius 445
2. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VII. 216
14. To the same 223
— 16. To the same 226
— 20. To the Queen of Bohemia 227
— 23. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 229
Feb. 4. To the same 240
— 26. To the President and Fellows of St. John's . 242
1636.
March 27. To Sir Kenelm Digby Vol. VI. 447
— 30. To the Queen of Bohemia Vol. VII. 244
April . To the Dean and Chapter of Wells 245
— 8. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 247
— 20. To James Wedderburne, Bishop of Dunblane . Vol. VI. 455
— 29. To William Kingsley, Archdeacon of Canterbury 459
May ad init. To the Queen of Bohemia Vol. VII. 252
13. To the President and Fellows of St. John's . . 255
20. To the Warden and Fellows of Merton College . Vol. VI. 461
June 9. To G. J. Vossius . . ' 462
23. To the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury . . . Vol. VII. 257
26. To the Queen of Bohemia ' 259
July 30. To Sir John Lambe 262
- adfin. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VI. 463
Aug. 4. To Sir Thomas Hoe Vol. VII. 265
4. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 266
5. To James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh . . 267
9. To Mr. Sumner 268
. To the Queen of Bohemia 269
19. To Sir John Lambe 271
22. To the same 272
31. To the same Vol VI. 465
Sept. 8. To the same Vol. VII. 278
12. To the same 282
26. To the same 286
Oct. 13. To the Queen of Bohemia 289
18. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VI. 466
18. To James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh . . 469
Nov. 5. To the same Vol. VII. 291
15. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 293
18. To the Countess of Leicester 297
— 20. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth . — 298
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF LETTERS. XV11
PAGE
Dec. 1. To the Corporation of Reading Vol. VI. 470
— 5. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VII. 300
14. To the Queen of Bohemia 302
15. To the Corporation of Reading Vol. VI. 472
23. To Sir John Lambe Vol. VII. 303
23. To Sir Francis Leigh 304
— 26. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 305
28. From John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln . . Vol. VI. 474
29. From the same 476
Jan. 6. To the same 478
— ad init. From the same 480
— 13. From the same 481
— 16. To Dr. Richard Bay lie, President of St. John's . Vol. VII. 306
— 17. To John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln .... Vol. VI. 483
— 18. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VII. 307
21. To the same 312
— 26. To the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury . . . Vol. VI. 484
— ad fin. To the Queen of Bohemia Vol. VII. 312
Feb. 4. To the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury . . . 313
11. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 315
— 20. To the same 320
28. To the Queen of Bohemia 321
March 4. To the same 323
15. To the Provost and Fellows of Eton College . Vol. VI. 485
21. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 487
21 . To the same Vol. VII. 324
[The second part and side paper of former letter.]
1637.
April 5. To the same Vol. VII. 326
6. To George Coke, Bishop of Hereford .... — 337
7. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth — 339
17. To the same — 340
19. To the same . • 34]
26. To the same — 341
May 3. To the Queen of Bohemia — 344
9. To the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury ... 345
— 12. To Dr. Christopher Potter Vol. VI. 488
22. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth Vol. VII. 346
25. To Sir John Lambe 347
28. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth 348
June 3. To Isaac Bargrave, Dean of Canterbury ... — 349
— 14. To Lord Aston 352
22. To the Queen of Bohemia 353
28. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth — 355
8. To G. J. Vossius Vol. VI. 489
July 1. To Sir John Bridgrnan 490
4. To the Earl of Traquair . 491
7. To. the Lord Viscount Conway ... . . . '. . Vol. VII. 356
XV111
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF LETTERS.
July 11. To the Queen of Bohemia
Aug. 7. To the same
7. To the Earl of Traquair
— 10. To Sir Henry Wotton
— 25. To Dr. Isaac Bargrave, Dean of Canterbury . .
— 28. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
— 28. To the same
[Side paper to the former letter.]
Sept. 4. To John Spottiswoode, Archbp. of St. Andrew's
11. To the Earl of Traquair
— 18. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
Oct. 7. To the same
12. To William Bedell, Bishop of Kilmore . . . .
20. To the President and Fellows of St. John's . .
— 24. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
— 27. To Lord Aston
Nov. 1. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth . . . .
— 11. To the same
16. To the same
— 22. To Sir Edward Littleton
23. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
— 29. To the same
Dec. 2. To the same
— 19. To the same
Jan. 9. To the same
26. To the same
Feb. ad init. To the same
17. To John Bramhall, Bishop of Derry . . . .
March 2. To Dr. Gilbert Sheldon, Warden of All Souls' .
— 19. To Kobert Wright, Bishop of Lichfield . . .
1638.
March 27. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
April . To Dr. Edward Pocock
May 14. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
14. To the same
[Side paper to the above.]
16. To Dr. Accepted Frewen, President of Magdalen
— 17. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
. To the same
— 24. To Sir William Boswell
24. To the President and Fellows of St. John's . .
— 24. To the Sub warden and Fellows of Merton College
— 30. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
June 22. To the same
27. To the same •
July 5. To Sir Thomas Roe
5. To Sir William Boswell .
19. To Sir Thomas Roe
— 20. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth
PAGE
Vol. VII. 358
— 360
Vol. VI. 493
Vol. VII. 361
362
Vol. VI. 496
Vol. VII. 364
Vol. VI. 503
— 504
— 506
Vol. VII. 372
374
376
Vol. VI. 508
Vol. VII. 377
— 378
Vol. VI. 511
Vol. VII. 380
Vol. VI. 517
Vol. VII. 391
— 393
394
— 395
405
406
408
Vol. VI. 517
— 520
Vol. VII. 413
Vol. VII. 416
Vol. VI. 521
— 521
Vol. VII. 424
429
430
— 433
Vol. VI. 528
Vol. VII. 434
— 435
— 437
446
— 456
— 458
Vol. VI. 529
Vol. VII. 459
Vol. VI. 530
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF LETTERS.
XIX
July 20.
— 28.
— 30.
Aug. 3.
11.
— 11
— 15.
— 29.
30.
31.
Sept. 10.
— 10.
— 22.
Oct. 4.
— 8.
18.
— 22.
— 29.
Nov. 2.
— 5.
— 9.
— 12.
— 13.
— 21.
Dec. 3.
— 8.
11.
— 29.
— 29.
Jan. 11.
— 20.
— 31.
31.
Feb. 10.
— 11.
12.
13.
27.
— 28.
— 28.
March .
15.
— 22.
1639.
March 31. To the Lord Viscount Weutworth
April 5. To the same
5. To Dr. Richard Baylie ....
To Sir Nathaniel Brent, Warden of Merton .
To the same
To the same
To Sir Thomas Eoe
To the Lord Viscount "Wentworth ....
To John Bramhall, Bishop of Derry . . .
To Sir Thomas Roe
To the same
To Sir Nathaniel Brent, Warden of Merton .
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth ....
To the same
To the same
[Side paper to the former letter.]
To Sir Francis Windebank
To Sir Thomas Roe
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth ....
To Sir Thomas Roe
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth ....
To the Dean and Chapter of Chester . . .
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth ....
To the same
To Dr. Richard Baylie, President of St. John's
To Dr. Robert Pinke, Warden of New College
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth ....
To the same
To the Marquis of Hamilton
To the same
To Lord Clifford
To Thomas Martin, Bishop of Durham . .
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth ....
To the same
[Side paper to the former letter.]
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth ....
To the same
To the same
To the Bishops of his Province
To Thomas Morton, Bishop of Durham . .
To Sir John Lambe
To the Lord Viscount Weutworth ....
To Sir John Lambe .
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth ....
To G. J. Vossius
To Sir Thomas Roe
To the Lord Viscount Wentworth ....
To Dr. Richard Baylie
To Sir Thomas Roe ,
PAGE
Vol. VII. 460
462
— 463
— 472
— 473
Vol. VI. 532
Vol. VII. 475
— 477
478
479
Vol. VI. 534
Vol. VII. 480
Vol. VI. 539
Vol. VII. 486
487
— 494
496
— 497
Vol. VI. 541
— 544
Vol. VII. 499
499
501
Vol. VI. 545
547
548
Vol. VII. 504
Vol. VI. 549
— 550
Vol. VII. 505
— 516
516
— 519
Vol. VI. 558
560
560
Vol. VII. 524
— 525
526
Vol. VI. 562
Vol. VII. 530
531
— 545
546
Vol. VII. 548
551
— 552
XX
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF LETTERS.
April 11. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth . . .
— 14. To Dr. Sampson Johnson
17. To Dr. Richard Baylie
— 17. To Sir Thomas Roe
— 30. To certain Swiss Pastors
May 1. To the Lord Viscount Wentworth . . .
— 17. To the same
31. To Sir Thomas Roe
June 21. To the same
— . To William Bedell, Bishop of Kilmore
— 28. To the President and Fellows of St. John's
July 8. To the Dean and Chapter of Exeter . . .
18. To Thomas Morton, Bishop of Durham .
26. To Sir Thomas Roe
31. To Hugh Menard
Aug. 9. To Sir Thomas Roe
Sept. 1. To the Dean and Chapter of Bristol . .
20. To the same
Oct. 4. To the same
13. To the Bishops of his Province ....
26. To Thomas Morton, Bishop of Durham
Nov. 11. To Joseph Hall, Bishop of Exeter . . .
12. To Sir Thomas Roe
13. To the Dean and Chapter of Winchester .
— 21. To Sir Thomas Roe
29. To the Dean and Chapter of Worcester .
Jan. 14. To Joseph Hall, Bishop of Exeter . . .
Feb. 14. To Sir Thomas Roe
— 16. To John Towers, Bishop of Peterborough
March 4. To Edward Pocock
6. To Sir Thomas Roe
9. To Sir Francis Windebank
1>AGK
Vol. VII. 654
— 555
— 558
— 559
Vol. VI. 563
Vol. VII. 559
— 573
— 574
— 577
— 578
— 682
Vol. VI. 566
567
Vol. VII. 583
Vol. VI. 568
Vol. VII. 585
Vol. VI. 601
Vol. VII. 587
— 589
Vol. VI. 570
— 571
— 572
Vol. VII. 591
— 592
— 594
— 595
Vol. VI. 575
Vol. VII. 597
— 598
Vol. VI. 578
Vol. VII. 599
— 600
March 28.
April 8.
May 9.
— 25.
June 19.
26.
July 1.
— 17.
— 17.
Aug. 2.
— 8.
14.
31.
Sept. 25.
Oct. 6.
1640.
To the Corporation of Reading Vol. VI.
To Edward Pocock
To the Lord Viscount Conway
To the same
To the same Vol. VIL
To Dr. Sampson Johnson
To the Lord Viscount Conway
To Sir John Lambe
To the Mayor of Reading Vol. VL
To the Lord Viscount Conway Vol. VII.
To the same
To the same
To G. J. Vossius Vol. VI.
To the Earl of Pembroke ...... • • •
To the Bishops of his Province
579
580
602
604
601
603
604
605
580
606
608
609
581
583
584
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF LETTERS. XXI
PAGE
Oct. 23. To James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh . . Vol. VI. 584
Nov. 13. To the Corporation of Reading 586
29. To the same 587
— 29. ToJohnSelden 589*
Jan. 3. To King Charles 590
1641.
Sept. 17. To the President and Fellows of St. John's . . Vol. VII. 611
Oct. 28. To the Corporation of Reading Vol. VI. 591
Nov. 29. To the President and Fellows of St. John's . . Vol. VII. 612
Dec. 23. To the Corporation of Reading Vol. VI. 591
Jan. 31. To John Greaves — 593
1642.
Oct. 20. To the Mayor of Reading 594
27. To the Mayor and Aldermen of Reading . . . 594
Ad fin.anni. To the Vice- Chancellor of Oxford
TABLE OF THE CIPHEK USED IN THE CORRESPONDENCE
BETWEEN LAUD AND WENTWORTH.
CIPHER FOR ALPHABET.
T40
T43 T46 f49
T52
A <j 41
E J 44 I J 47 0 J 50
U J 53
u
[_45 1.48 Ul
u
B 30,
81.
C 32, 33. D 34, 35.
F 36, 37.
G 38,
39.
H 55, 56. K 57, 58.
L 59, 60.
M 61,
62.
N 63, 64. P 65, 66.
Q 67, 68.
R 69,
70.
S 71, 72. T 73, 74.
W 75, 76.
X 77,
78.
Y 79, 80. Z 81, 82,
& 83, 84.
The 85
,86.
That 87, 88. Th 89, 90.
St 91, 92.
Which 93, 94.
Him 95, 96.
All numbers less than 30 are b)anks and deceptions, and are occasionally
used to divide the words.
CIPHER TABLE. XX111
CIPHER FOR NAMES.
100 = The King.
101 = The Queen.
102 = Archbishop of Canterbury (LAUD).
103 Not known.
104 = The Keeper, Lord Coventry.
105 = The Lord High Treasurer, (i.e. to March 13, 1634-5; the Earl
of Portland after March 6, 1635-6), Juxon, Bishop of London.
It is sometimes used to signify the office of High Treasurer in
the Treasury.
106 = Duke of Lennox.
107 = Thomas Earl of Arundel, Earl Marshall.
108 = Lord Chamberlain, the Earl of Pembroke and Mont
gomery.
109 = Earl of Salisbury, Captain of the Band of Pensioners.
110 = Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Cottington.
111 = Lord Carlisle.
112 = Lord Holland, Groom of the Stole.
113 Not known.
114 = Secretary Coke.
115 = Secretary Windebank.
Intermediate numbers not known.
127 = England.
128 = London.
130 = The Deputy.
131 = Chancellor Loftus.
132 = Earl of Cork.
133 = The Primate of Ireland, Archbishop Ussher.
134 Not known.
135 = Lord Montnorris.
Intermediate numbers not used.
150 = The Bishopric of Lismore.
151 = The College of Youghal.
152 = Boyle, Bishop of Cork.
153 = Boyle, Bishop of Waterford.
158 = The Castle Chamber.
163 = The Archbishop of Dublin ? See Side Paper to Letter of July
30, 1638.
XXIV
CIPHER TABLE.
164 )
165 I
166 =
167 =
168 )
169 j
170 =
171 =
177 =
178 =
179 =
180 =
181 =
182 =
183 =
184 =
185 =
186 =
187 =
188 =
189 =
190 =
191 =
192 =
193 =
194 =
195 =
196 =
197 =
198 =
199 =
200 =
201 =
202 =
Not known.
The College of Dublin.
The Provost of Dublin.
Not known.
Ireland.
Dublin.
Lord Northumberland.
Earl of Dorset.
Earl of Leicester.
Lord Ashton.
France.
Spain.
The States.
The Prince of Orange.
Bishop of Lincoln.
Prince Palatine.
Attorney General.
Solicitor General.
The Tower.
West Indies.
Star Chamber.
Lord Antrim.
East Indies.
High Commission.
Earl of Newcastle.6
Bishop of Derry.f
Scotland.
Marquis Hamilton.*
Madame Chevreux.
The Queen's Mother.
A Parliament.
Earl of Berkshire.
a Side Paper to Letter of April 5, 1637.
b Laud's Side Paper to Letter of Aug.
28, 1637.
c Probably the two new numbers referred
to in Laud's Side Paper of Nov. 16.
<i Laud's Side Paper to Letter of Nov.
16, 1637.
c March 27, 1638.
t May 14, 1638. Side Paper.
P Sept. 10, 1638.
h Letter of Oct. 8, 1638.
' March 31, 1639.
LETTERS.
LETTER CCI.
TO SIR DAVID WILLIAMS*. A. D. 1611
[St. John's College, Oxford.]
Salut. in Christ.
AFTER my hearty commendations, &c.
Whereas you desire to have a grant of that royalty and
interest which our poor College hath of fishing and fowling
in the river of Windridge, at and near Hardwicke, in the
county of Oxon. These are to certify you that I have pro
posed your request to the Company (whose consent I must
have in all such businesses of the College) : and we all think
that those waters are much abused by many idle persons that
are thereabouts. And in hope that you will see them better
preserved than we can, the Company are most willing you
should have a grant of all those their royalties there in that
form as the honourable knight Sir Henry Lee1' had before,,
that is, during life, with that covenant which yourself mention
in your letters, that any of them or their successors shall and
may retain their liberty to fish, fowl, hawk and hunt there if
they please. And I find them all so desirous of your love, that
whereas some of them before my time had been solicited by
others for these waters (which I knew not of), and were
a [Sir David Williams, of Gwer- knighted July 23, in the same year.]
nevet, was Serjeant-at-law in 1594, b ['The ancient and redoubted
and one of the Judges of the Queen's Champion of Queen Elizabeth.' He
Bench in February, 1603. He was lived- at Ditchley Park.]
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP. 75
2 LETTERS.
A. D. 1611. inclinable to them, yet understanding of this your desire,
they left that thought and were ready to grant them to you.
That which they desire farther is only this, that the College
may have somewhat yearly at Midsummer-day, flesh for fish,
if you can without trouble help them to a little venison, or if
not, what trifle yourself please to name. And although there
was never any lease made of these or any other royalties of
ours that I can yet find, but they passed only by grant in the
register book, yet if your desire be rather to have it by lease,
the Company will be contented to do that also. And for
myself, I shall be ever glad of your love. Thus not having
farther wherewith to trouble you, I leave you to the grace
of God ; and shall ever rest
Your very loving poor Friend,
W. LAUD.
St. John's, Feb. 27, 1611.
To the right \Vr11. mye verye good
frend Sr David Williams, one of the
Judges of his Maiestyes Bentche.
att his house att Kingstone Bagpuze,
these.
LETTER CCII.
TO SIR THOMAS LAKE c.
[St. John's College, Oxford.]
SIR,
I HAVE been ever much bound unto you, and that hath
encouraged me to make more bold upon your love than
were otherwise fit. At this time I am thrust upon it by
necessity. For our mortmain (which you may be pleased to
remember I solicited you about in October last d), having
passed all other seals, is now and hath been a good while
stayed by my Lord Chancellor6 at the broad seal, and all
the means I can devise to make, help us not. About Christ
mas, so soon as we could hear the stay was made, we writ
c [One of the Secretaries of State.] amount of BOOL per annum ; the
d [There is preserved in the Do- number of Fellows being increased
mestic Correspondence, S. P. 0., Nov. from 30 to 50.]
20, 1613, a Grant to St. John's e [Thomas Egerton, Lord Elles-
College, to purchase lands to the mere.]
LETTERS. 3
a letter in Latin to his Lordship, which we sent by this bearer, A. D. 1613.
a Fellow of our house, and chaplain to my Lord Knevett f.
The letter my Lord Chancellor liked, and commended, adding
further that he would not absolutely stay our mortmain, but
only for a time, because there was a large mortmain to pass
for the University, and he would not have the one cross the
other. What his Lordship's meaning was by this latter clause
I know not, but our mortmain sticks still, though we have
made the best means we can to put his Lordship in mind of
us. The College hath been at some charge already with it,
and being poor is loth to lose it. This makes me in its
behalf very bold to trouble you, and earnestly to entreat your
best furtherance, that his Lordship would be pleased to seal
it ; for which (as for many other your good offices) the Col
lege and myself shall rest bound unto you, and I shall be
most ready by any my pains and service to show myself
thankful. Thus not doubting of your love, I leave you to
the grace of God, and shall ever continue
To be commanded by you,
W. LAUD.
Endorsed :
'March 16, 1613.
' The Copye of a Leter sent from Mr.
President to Sr. Th. Lake about
passinge our Mortmane then stayd
by the L : Chancel or.'
LETTER CCIII.
TO RICHARD NEILE, BISHOP OF LINCOLN.
[Rushworth's Collections, vol. i. p. 62.]
I CAME time enough to be at the rehearsal of this Sermon,
iipon much persuasion, where I was fain to sit patiently, and
hear myself abused almost an hour together, being pointed at
as I sat. For this present abuse, 1 would have taken no notice
of it, but that the whole University apply it to me, and my
own friends tell me, I shall sink my credit, if I answer not
f [Thomas, Lord Knevett, the only holder of the title.]
B2
4 LETTERS.
A.D. 1615. Dr. Abbot in his own. Nevertheless in a business of this
kind I will not be swayed from a patient course. Only I
desire your Lordship to vouchsafe me some direction what to
do, &c. 8
April 18, 1615.
LETTER CCIV.
TO THE MA.YOR OF OXFORD.
[St. John's College, Oxford.]
Salutem in Christo.
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL,
AFTER my very hearty commendations. Having occasion
lately to confer with you concerning a watercourse for the
passage of the water of the houses in Magdalene parish and
about our College, I was bold to move you concerning the
disposition of the hundred pounds given unto your city by
our most worthy founder, Sir Thomas White, which very
shortly, as I am informed, is to be paid in by those that have
had it for these last ten years, and now again to be lent out by
you to other four, for the like number of years, upon sufficient
security. At which time I then did, and ever must, entreat
« [This fragment of a letter was in- uncensured to Oxford. The paper is
advertently omitted in the former as follows : —
series. It appears from the account
given by Heylin, that La ad, in preach- ' Mv g°od L-
ing on Shrove Tuesday, had used "I moved his Ma. this day
some sharp language against the touchinge Dr. Laudes returne to Ox-
Presbyterians. This caused great forde, to wch. his Ma. answered, Yes,
offence to Dr. Eobert Abbot, who was for there is no cause y*. he shuld
Vice-Chancellor at the time, who made staye. I have made a full and quiet
a vehement attack on Laud in his ende of all those matters. I was bold
Sermon on the afternoon of Easter to saye, then Dr. Laude shall have
day. Laud was absent on the occasion, peace, and be no more trobled in y*.
but showed himself on the following matter. No, sayd his Ma. ; my L. G.
Sunday at St. Mary's, when the Sermon him selfe acknowledged his brother's
according to custom was repeated. error in it, and Dr. Abotts him selfe
On the next day he sent Bishop asked pardon for it, excusinge him-
Neile an account of the whole affair selfe y*. he was put to it, for y1. all ye
in a letter of which the above fragment Universitye did understande y1. Dr.
alone remains. Laudes was upon him. If ye Dr. wilbe
It appears from a short document gon before I come, commende me to
which is preserved in the State Paper him." (The rest of the letter lost.)
Office, that Laud was summoned to Endorsed by Laud, 'June 1615. What
London on the subject (though Heylin his Maiestye sayd concerninge D.
is silent on the matter), and that after Abbot sermon against me, Szc. ]
some weeks he was allowed to return
LETTERS. £>
your care therein, especially that you would, as far as with A. D. 1619.
conveniency you may, hold yourself unto the covenants
prescribed by our good founder ; among which one is, that
clothiers h be preferred above all others, as the words of the
deeds are. And then also we had speech of a young man well
reported of, and one of your incorporation, who though he
be not a clothier in one sense, because he doth not set
poor on work in making of cloth, yet in that he doth sell
cloth, I take it he is to be preferred, as a clothier, in respect
that among the merchant tailors in London, they do so un
derstand it ; and our worthy founder himself did use that
trade, and his practice will be a good direction to understand
his meaning therein. His name is Cockram, whom I do again
commend unto you, not doubting but that he shall speed,
because he is, by the covenants of the deed, to be preferred
before all others of any other trade. I do not know whether
there be any other clothiers that are suitors unto you for
this money ; and if there be, I would be loth to move you to
do anything that shall not, in all respects, be agreeable to
the covenants of the deed. But if it so fall out that you do
lend any of this money to any other but clothiers, which are
to have the preferment thereof above others, there is one
commended to me to be a very honest and painful man, that
will put in very sufficient security for it, by his trade a glover ;
his name is Newsome. In whose behalf give me leave to be
an earnest suitor, to entreat your favour for him. Wherein
you shall bind the poor man, and all his, to pray for you ;
and I shall take it as a great favour at your hands, and be
ready to deserve it in anything that is in my power. And
so recommending these things to your wisdom and care,
I leave you to the protection of the Almighty, and remain,
&c. *
August 21, 1619.
Endorsed :
' To the Maior of Oxford about the
loane of the Founder's monye.'
h [It will be remembered that Laud's father was of this trade.]
6 LETTERS.
LETTER CCV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT CONWAY '.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR LORDSHIP,
I HUMBLY thank you for your noble favour many ways
vouchsafed me, and for this among the rest, that your Lord
ship hath been pleased to send me a copy of my Lord Grace
his letters. That which I moved yesterday was out of zeal to
his Majesty's service, not any presuming to give my betters
direction. And I am still confident that this Instruction,
being long k, and to be sent to every minister in his several
parish, will be so long in doing as that his Majesty's service
will suffer in it, and the time, in many places, be passed
before the Instructions can come.
And for that which my Lord's Grace mentions, — That many
copies are sent out already ; I am sure the printed ones will
overtake them, and outrun them.
And for their falling by this means into the hands of ill-
willers, as well as of those which mean better. I think it is
common to writing and printing. For it is not possible for
my Lords the Bishops to have their registers and under-
officers write out so many hundred copies, but that some will
fly abroad into the worst hands.
As for the manner, I conceive, with submission, my Lord's
Grace is very right, that it is best to be in the form of a little
book. A charge given to the printer for secrecy. And the like
to the ministers which receive them, and the officers which
deliver them, if it shall so be thought fit. All which I humbly
submit to my Lord's Grace, and your Lordship's better judg
ment ; and shall so ever rest
Your Lordship's to be commanded,
GUIL. BATHON. & WELLE.
Septemb. ult. 1626.
To the right Hrble. mye verye good
Ld. the Lord Conwaye, Principal
Secretaire to his Maiestye, these.
1 [See vol. iii. p. 149.] 1626, as prepared by himself.
k [These are the Instructions spoken vol. iii. p. 195.]
of by Laud in his Diary, Sept. 14,
LETTERS. 7
A.D 1627.
LETTER CCVT.
TO GEOHGE MONTAIGNE, BISHOP OF LONDON.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
IT is his Majesty's command that your Lordship read over
this sermon1, which he conceives is for his special service.
His Majesty hath appointed your Lordship, with the
L. Bishops of Durham m, Rochester11, Oxford0, and Bath and
Wells?, to consider of this Sermon, and return their judgments,
whether they do not think it fit to be printed.
His Majesty hath likewise commanded the same Bishops to
consider of certain objections made against the said Sermon ^
and the answers to them, and return what they think of
them, having power to add, alter, or diminish, upon any just
exceptions.
His Majesty, in the nomination of these five Bishops,
charged the four to make haste, and not trouble your Lord
ship, because of your defect of hearing, till all was ready, and
then to submit it to your sight and censure also.
My Lords of Durham, Rochester, and Oxford, have read
this, as well as myself.
Your Lordship having seen the Sermon, and read over the
objections against it, and the answers made unto them, are
to express your judgment and conscience to his Majesty,
what you think of them, whether the Sermon be not to be
printed? and whether the objections against it be not fully
answered r ?
1 [This was the celebrated Sermon the handwriting of Bp. Montaigne:
of Dr. liobert Sibthorp, on which " I have seen this Sermon and read
subject see vol. iii. p. 204, and vol. iv. over diligently the objections against
pp. 274—276.1 it and the answers to the objections
m [Richard Weile.] which I think do take away all scruples
n [John Buckeridge.] that may be made of these places
0 [John Howson.] now questioned, and therefore I think
P [William Laud.] the Sermon fit to be printed.
1 [These objections were made by " Geo. London,"
Archbishop Abbot, ( See Laud's
Diary, April 24, 1627).] The paper is endorsed, " The Ld.
r [The whole of the above letter is Bp. of London's consent to yeprintinge
in Laud's hand. There is added in of Dr. Sybthorp's Sermon."]
8 LETTERS.
A. D. 1627.
LETTER CCVII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT CONWAY.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
MY Lord Chamberlain s moved the whole business of the
commendam for my Lord the Bishop of Llandaff * at Windsor,
which made me add it at the end of my former note, which
I writ in great haste to satisfy my Lord's desire for expedition,
and that was cum clausula permutationis likewise. But to
leave that, because your Lordship desires it so.
These are to certify your Lordship that yesterday I moved
his Majesty, that my Lord of Llandaff, now elect of St. Da
vid's, might have in his commendam one benefice, and one
dignity, in the church and bishopric of St. David's, with a
clause of permutation for either or both of them. This his
Majesty graciously granted, and gave me power to signify
so much to your Lordship. I wish your Lordship all happi
ness, and shall ever study to deserve your love. So I rest
Your Lordship's loving poor Friend and Servant,
GUIL. BATHO. ET WELLE.
Bagshot, Aug. 20,1627.
To the right Hrble. mye verye good
IA the Lord Vicount Conwaye,
Secretarye of State to his Maiestye,
these.
LETTER CCVIII.
TO SIR JOHN COKE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
RIGHT HONOURABLE,
THESE letters enclosed came to my hands this morning u
as the King was going, so I had but time to show them to his
• [Philip Herbert, Earl of Mont- ham, asking for another Bishopric, in
gomery.] Cabala, pp. 115, 117.]
1 [Theophilus Field, successively u [The enclosure was a letter from
Bp. of Llandaff, St. David's, and Here- the Mayor of Winchester concerning
ford. He was a great preferment the apprehension of Martin Lucas, a
hunter. See his letters to Bucking- Dunkirker.]
LETTERS, 9
Majesty, and receive his commands concerning it. His A. D. 1627.
Majesty commanded me to send it to you, which I have here
done accordingly. I hope the messenger will be careful.
Though for my part I think this is the longer way about,
and so much I made bold to tell the King. I pray pardon
this moving day haste. So, I leave you to the grace of God,
and rest
Your Honour's loving poor Friend,
GUIL. B. ET WELL?.
Aldershot, Aug. 27, 1627.
For His Majesty's special service.
To the Right Honble. mye verye
worthy e frend Sr. John Cooke,
Secretarye of State to His Maiestye.
LETTER CCIX.
TO DR. WILLIAM SMITH, WARDEN OF WAD1IAM COLLEGE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
AFTER my hearty commendations, &c.
Whereas James Harrington, Master of Arts, and Fellow
of Wadham College in Oxon, complained to me of you,
Mr. Warden and the Fellows of the College, against him,
concerning his right to the Fellowship in the said College,
notwithstanding an annuity of xlh per annum during his life
left him by his father ; I have taken the business into serious
consideration, and, with the advice of my counsel learned in
the civil and canon laws, have given my final sentence and
determined that cause, and sent it down to the College in an
instrument under my hand and seal ; which according to your
Statutes I require both you and him to obey, that so an end
may be put to those differences.
And because that instrument could not well contain all
particulars both of the said James Harrington's misde
meanours towards myself as Visitor, and towards the Statutes,
Warden and Fellows of the said College, I thought fit to give
the particular directions for the punishment of those abuses
in those my letters. The abuses are, first, that the said James
10
LETTERS.
A. D. 27, Harrington hath falsely and unworthily scandalized Mr.
Warden and Daniel Escotte, Master of Arts and Fellow of
the said College, for fraudulent conveyance of certain letters
containing the dispensation of the foundress for his conti
nuance in the Fellowship ; of which slander he hath been able
to produce no proof.
Secondly, that the said Harrington, in the end of November
last, brought up the Warden and Daniel Escott aforesaid to
London, under pretence of coming then before me to answer
the business. But the very next morning, without acquaint
ing either myself or Mr. Warden, went suddenly back to
Oxford, or at least hid himself out of the way, and did as
much as in him lay to put a scorn upon his Governor and the
Visitor's power with him.
Thirdly, that the said James Harrington, in or about
November last, very unworthily, and in strict construction
against his oath, did unduly procure a commission out of the
Court of Requests to examine witnesses and to end and
determine the aforesaid cause, which himself had brought
before me and was then depending, and thereby sought to
decline the Visitor's power, and submit the Statutes of the
College to a foreign j udge, which might have proved not only
a great dishonour to the College, but an example of dangerous
consequence both to that and other Colleges.
Now in regard to these and other sundry miscarriages of
the said James Harrington, though I have settled him in his
Fellowship upon such grounds as are expressed in my instru
ment, yet I do no way think it fit to let him go unpunished.
And therefore I do hereby will and require you the Warden
and officers to call the said James Harrington before you,
and there publicly to read my instrument for his settling.
And 1 do farther require you, that because some, if not all,
of these faults have no particular punishment laid in the local
Statutes (the founder not thinking any Fellow wmild decline
the Visitor's power), I refer the punishment of them to you
the Warden and officers, to whom it is left in the conclusion
of your Statutes to lay an arbitrary punishment at your dis
cretion upon faults not particularly ordered in Statute. And
for your better direction in that arbitrary punishment, I shall
give this direction following : First, that James Harrington
LETTERS. 11
aforesaid be enjoined, and I enjoin him with you, to acknow- A.D. 1G27.
ledge his misdemeanours specified before Mr. Warden and
the officers, and to promise to live peaceably and obediently
to his Governor and orderly toward the rest of the Fellows
hereafter. And that you, Mr. Warden and the officers, sus
pend the said Harrington from all commons and profits in
the College for so many months as that his said commons
and all other profits may pay the College the xx marks
charged, which I have awarded him the said Harrington in
my instrument to repay to the College for the charge which
he hath unworthily put it to. But then my further direction
is, that if the said James Harrington do presently pay the
said xx marks charged to the College, or give sufficient
security (such as you shall like) for the payment of it at such
time or times as you allow of, then that his suspension shall
cease at the end of one fortnight, or three weeks at the most,
because though the College hath been at much more charges,
as appears by the sentence, yet I hold twenty marks to be a
great punishment upon a Fellow of a College, and I hope it
will give Harrington a warning to live both peaceably and
dutifully hereafter.
I do likewise by these farther require of you, Mr. Warden
and the officers, that the instrument for the settling of Mr.
Harrington, and likewise these letters for the ordering of his
punishment, be registered, as the Statutes of your College
I think require, and I am sure is fit; that no more troubles
may arise about this business, as formerly there did, for want,
it seems, of registering some letters. And this done, I wish
you all peace and happiness and a flourishing College, and so
rest
Your very loving Friend and Visitor*.
Westm. Jan. 28, 1627.
Endorsed :
' The Coppye of Mr. Wardens Leter
to me.
And of my Leter to Wadha Oolledge
about Mr. Harringto. Janu. 30,
1627.'
x [There are several papers relating to this subject still remaining in the
State Paper Office.]
12 LETTERS.
A. D. 1627,
LETTER CCX.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT CONWAY.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P- 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HEARTILY wish your Lordship a good journey to New
market, and am sorry that my lameness will not suffer me to
wait upon you before you go y. I made an hard shift, not
without pain and some danger, to wait upon his Majesty
yesterday night; partly to do my duty to him before his
journey, and partly to acquaint his Majesty with the business
which will nearly concern the Church of England if it be
not prevented.
The business I received from my Lord Carleton2, and his
Lordship was pleased to write it to me, conceiving that a
churchman would most fully understand it, and most feelingly
take care to prevent it. The business is this : —
"There are many both English and Scottish ministers
in the Low Countries, which serve the several companies both
in the field and in their garrisons. Some of these heretofore
(having no superior to overlook them) gave divers scandals
by following drinking and other foul courses of life. Upon
complaint of this made to King James of blessed memory,
he would have placed a superintendent over them : but
that was thought by them that were there, a preface to
bring in a bishop amongst them ; which that state likes not.
So that was utterly refused, and one Forbes a sent over to
wait upon King James for accommodation of his business.
Upon this King James gave way, that the ministers here
should hold an Assembly once a year, and that should be a
little after Easter; but in this Assembly they should have
no positive power to meddle with any point of doctrine or
y [He had met with a severe acci- he was one of the Secretaries of State,
dent just before. (See Diary, Feb. 5, having been created Viscount Dor-
1627).] Chester in 1628.
2 [Dudley Carleton was Ambassador His letter to Laud on this subject,
to the States General from 1616 to dated Jan. 14, is preserved in S. P.O.]
1628. He was created Baron Carleton * [This appears to be the same
of Imbercourt in 1626. Subsequently person mentioned vol. vi. p. 380.]
LETTERS. 13
matter of Ordination, or do any prejudicial act to the Church A-D-
of England : but only that they should have a power to
restrain abuses among themselves, and punish disorders of
life, that their calling might not be made a scandal among
strangers. To this order of King James they yielded obe
dience till of late, and according to the freedom of that place,
some used the English Liturgy and some the Dutch, as they
and their auditors best liked. But now they begin to chal
lenge to their Assembly other power, and go as directly cross
to the Church of England as a consistory can devise to go.
For now they are upon making of a new Liturgy, mixed
between the English and the Dutch, which is like to breed
a new sect : for they are divided about it already. They have
likewise of late meddled in matter of Ordination, which may
be of very dangerous consequence to the Church of England :
and this was done with addition of great novelties openly at
the Hague in the face of the English congregation there, the
King and Queen of Bohemia being present. It is likewise
feared, upon some probable grounds, that they have an aim
to get some Act made there by the States to confirm their
proceedings, which will be a great prejudice should it pass.
And, to perfect all, they purpose to settle, or at the least to
do some acts towards the settling of all these things, now at
their next Assembly after Easter."
This is the business. And my Lord Carleton's desire was
that I should acquaint his Majesty with it, and humbly desire
some timely direction to prevent these evils. This I have
done, and his Majesty is much troubled that they should
hold such courses ; and commanded me, because I was not
able to go, to write to your Lordship, and herein to signify
the business and his pleasure. Which is —
That your Lordship should presently write a letter, as by
his Majesty's special command, to the Lord Carleton, that
his Lordship should signify to the ministers there, both
_ ,. . J . Buthis Ma-
English and Scottish, that his express command is, that jesty's ex-
they forbear meddling with the making of any new Liturgy, thauh™^'
That they presume not to meddle with any giving of Orders, ^jjouid keep
but leave English and Scottish to their several Churches to. the dof-
m • . . . trine estab-
respectively. That they bring in no novelties such as of late lished in the
they used at Hague, or any other like. England01
14 LETTERS.
L.D. 1627. That they assume no positive power to meddle with any
thing in doctrine; but keep themselves to the power first
given by King James, to examine, restrain, and punish the
ill manners of such as give scandal in their life. And that
so much only his Majesty is willing to condescend unto ;
both because it was a permission of his father's of happy
memory ; and because he is desirous to cut off all lewdness
of life by any means possible. But if they shall not content
themselves with this, and so live orderly, he will absolutely
take from them all power of assemblage. And his Majesty's
will is, that the Lord Carleton do signify to the States that
his desire is, that they would pass no act to prejudice this
his Majesty's order.
My Lord, I am heartily sorry that I have held your Lord
ship thus long, but I could not make the business briefer.
And having now discharged both my duty and trust, I leave
the rest to your Lordship's care and goodness, of which I
cannot doubt. And so wishing you all health and happiness,
I leave your Lordship to the grace of God, and shall ever
show myself
Your Lordship's humble and affectionate Servant,
GUIL. BATHO. ET WELLE.
Westm'. Febr. 20, 1627.
To the Right Honble. my very singular
goode Lorde, the Lorde Comvay,
principall Secretary to his
these.
LETTER CCXI.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT CONWAY.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY it please your Lordship to give me leave, I shall be
bold a little to trouble your Lordship with a business of my
own. For the despatch whereof I shall humbly entreat your
Lordship's care, and the rather because his Majesty is pleased
to call upon me for haste. His Majesty, out of his grace and
favour, hath been pleased to name me to the" Bishopric of
London, and commanded me to give notice to your Lord-
LETTERS. 15
ship that warrant might be sent according unto course to A. i>. 1628.
the Signet Office, for drawing of the Conge d'elireb.
His Majesty sent before, but your Lordship was not within ;
and, therefore, my humble suit is, that you would be pleased
to do that now, which your Lordship would have done then,
had the messenger found you. Your Lordship shall always
find me ready to serve your Lordship in all occasions that
shall come in my way. So I leave your Lordship to the
grace of God, and shall ever rest
Your Lordship's ready and affectionate Servant,
GUIL. BATHO. ET WELLE.
Westmr. July 2, 1628.
To the right honble. my very good
Lorde, the Lorde Vicount Con-
waye, Principall Secretary to His
these.
LETTER CCXIL
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT CON WAY.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY humble duty and service remembered to your Lord
ship.
With many thanks I acknowledge the receipt of two letters
from your Lordship, and have taken order to send a copy of
both of them to my Lord's Grace of Canterbury, that he may
take order accordingly ; for upon his Grace this service lies.
I cannot command the use of the prayer c, further than in
mine own diocese. I had been so careful in this business
before your Lordship's letters came, as that I had caused
letters from the Council to be sent to my Lord of Canterbury,
to the same effect which your Lordship's letters contain, and
I make no doubt but that my Lord's Grace will see that
performed which is required by his Majesty and the State;
neither shall I be wanting in my duty and care to call upon
it. And I most humbly thank your Lordship for your great
care of me in the expression of his Majesty's resolution for
b [See vol. iii. p. 208, note l. was the same form which was issued
c [This was a prayer for the good in 1625. See vol. iii. p. 98, note a,
success of the fleet. See endorsement where for ' Bishop of London,' read
at the end of the letter. Probably it < St. David's/]
1 6 LETTERS.
A. D. 1028. setting out the navy, of which many began to be doubtful
here.
My good Lord, though your letter bear date the day before
that abominable murder was committed upon my dear Lord,
the Duke, yet at the very same time in which I received your
letters, I had the news of that accursed fact d, to my great
sorrow and grief of heart. My Lord, it is the saddest accident
that ever befel me, and should be so to all good Christians ;
but what humours are stirring here I shall not at this time
trouble your Lordship with the recital ; but humbly take my
leave, and rest
Your Lordship's very sorrowful Servant,
GUIL. LONDON.
Westmr. Aug. 26, 1628.
To the right honble. my very goode
Lorde the Lo: Conway one of his
Maties principal! Secretaryes, these.
Endorsed : ' Bishop of London.
'His Lordship hath caused letters
to be written from the Council to
the ArchbP. of Canterbury to take
order that a prayer be prepared for
the good success of the fleet.'
LETTER CCXIII.
TO KING CHARLES.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MOST GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN,
I HERE present your Majesty with the examination of
one Alexander Gill e. I am heartily sorry I must tell your
Majesty he is a divine, since he is void, as it seems, of all
d [See Diary, Aug. 24, 1628.] London seconded for his coat's sake,
e [This was Alexander Gill, now and love to the father." (See Wood,
Usher of St. Paul's School, and who, Ath. Ox. vol. iii. pp. 42, 43 ; and Court
in 1635, succeeded his father in the and Times of Charles I. vol. i. p. 437.
Mastership. It appears from a letter of Gill was an intimate friend and cor-
Joseph Mede to Sir Martin Stuteville, respondent of Milton; three of whose
that " he was degraded for the offence Latin letters to him are still preserved,
here spoken of, but that the fine was and who had a high opinion of his
mitigated and corporal punishment skill as a Latin poet. (See Milton's
remitted, upon old Mr. Gill's, the Prose Works, vol. ii. pp. 56-3, seq.)]
father's petition, which my Lord of
LETTERS. 17
humanity. This is but his first examination, and not upon A. D. 1628.
oath. When the information came to me against him, as I
could not in duty but take present care of the business, so I
thought it was fit to examine him as privately as I might,
because the speeches are so foul against religion, allegiance,
your Majesty's person, and my dear Lord laid by execrable
hands in the dust. He hath confessed most of it, the rest I
am told will be proved. I have committed him close prisoner,
til] I receive further direction from your Majesty, which I
humbly desire your Majesty to signify by my Lord Conway,
or any other way which shall seem good to your Majesty's
wisdom. I continue my daily prayers for your Majesty's
health and happiness.
Your Majesty's most humble and faithful Servant,
GUIL. LONDON.
Sept. 6, 1628.
[It is added on a separate sheet of paper in Laud's hand :] —
When Alexander Gill spake those lewd words in Oxford,
there were present (as I am informed) Mr. Pickeringe and
Mr. Craven, of Trinity College, and Mr. Powell, of Hart
Hall. And after that the words were repeated, and some
other added in the hearing of these persons above named,
and one Mr. Shillingworthf, whom they met in Trinity
College, of which house he likewise is &.
f [This was the celebrated William disparage his Majesty's wisdom in
Chillingworth, with whom Gill appears being led so long by the Duke — as he
to have kept up a political correspond- was ; and farther saith that this is all
ence for some years, in which " they as he remembreth that he spake con-
used to nibble at state matters." cerning the King. Being pressed that
(D'Israeli's Charles I., chapter xii., at his late being at Oxford, he should
'On the Anti monarchical Principle in use these words : ' We have a fine wise
Europe,' vol. ii. first edition.)] King, he hath wit enough to be a
* [The following paper, contain- shopkeeper, to ask what do you lack,
ing Gill's examination, is also pre- and that is all:' he confesseth that
served in the State Paper Office: — he used words to that effect.
"The examination of Alexander " He saith that he thinketh that these
Gill, the younger, Bachelor of Di words were spoken by him priv. tely,
vinity, usher of the Free School near and in a cellar, or at the gates of the
the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, in College, or in the quadrangle, or at
London, taken before the Lord Bishop one Grize his house, or in the Grove,
of London, piite. Thoma Mottershedd, but knoweth not certainly when,
norio pubco. ] " Being asked whether any person
" He confesseth that he hath spoken present coming after abroad and meet-
more undutifully of his Majesty than ing others, did not ask in this Ex-
he should have done ; and as he re- aminat's hearing whether he, the said
membreth to this effect ; that he did Examinat, did not deserve hanging
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP.
18 LETTERS.
A. D. 1628.
LETTER CCXIV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT CONWAY.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
HERE hath been a proffer to print a certain book, in folio,
of English verses in the commendation (as is pretended) of our
late gracious and worthy friend the Duke of Buckingham.
The pretenders to the press affirm they had leave, under your
Lordship's hand. That I did desire to see ; because his
Majesty's charge was strict upon me, that no papers concerning
my Lord Duke should be suddenly printed. I was dallied
withal two days by the printer ; but yesterday night the papers
were brought me by one who calls himself Mr. Darcye, and
goes for the man that puts it to the press. Then I saw your
Lordship's hand, approving these verses to the press ; but so
fairly written h, that after the party was gone with his papers,
it drew me into some jealousy, lest your Lordship's hand
for speaking the aforesaid words of the sometimes Steeny, he saith he remem-
King; he saith that he doth not re- breth there was some such speech,
member that anybody asked such a " And being further demanded
question. whether upon that question asked what
" Being asked whether he did not at meaning his Majesty had in callinghim
the same time drink an health to Fel- so, he the said Examinat did not answer
ton, that killed the Duke ; he saith he with scornful gesture, that sure there
thinketh he did ; and that it is a com- was some profound wisdom in it, that
mon thing done, both in London and cannot be bottomed or faddomed,
other places. stretching out his arms, or to that
" And being further asked to this effect; he saith that he doth not remem-
effect; whether he himself did not say, ber that he spake any such thing,
he had oftentimes had a mind to do " Lastly, he desireth that before he
the same deed upon the Duke, but for put his hand to this Examination, it
fear of hanging; he saith he did say so. may be added, that he protesteth he
" Being further pressed whether he had never any ill meaning towards the
did not say that if there were ever a King nor any person about him that is
Hell or a Divell in Hell the Duke was now living, nor never shall, but hath
with him, or to that effect ; he saith he daily and ever shall pray for the pro-
did say so. sperity of his Majesty.
" And being further urged whether «ATFxGTT ALEX GIL
1 * n TT-. T n ALKX, \JlIL* ALbA. VTlJj.
upon casual speech of King James of p T
blessed memory uttered at that time
and place, he this Examinat did not « This was subscribed by Alex. Gill
further«say, that King James was in jn our presence, and acknowledged
Hell to bear the Duke company, or to to be true.
that effect ; he answereth that he never " Ro. HEATH.
spake any such words in his life. Jo. FINCH."]
" Being demanded whether there was
not some speech offered that his Ma- h [Conway's handwriting is remark -
jesty did call the Duke in his lifetime ably ill-favoured.]
LETTERS. 19
were abused. These are, therefore, humbly to desire your A. D. 1628.
Lordship that I may, so soon as conveniently you can, receive
two lines from you, whether your Lordship did license any
such poem to the press or not, that so my suspicious thoughts
may be satisfied. My good Lord, I know your Lordship
understands me better, than that I would take upon me to
make stay of anything which your Lordship hath thought fit
for the press ; but I do it only out of my duty and care, that
nothing but what is honourable should pass over the dead :
and to deal freely with your Lordship, I do much suspect the
countenance and other deportments of him that brought me
the papers. And now I have taken this care somewhat
beyond the strength I now have, I humbly take my leave,
and rest
Your Lordship's weary sick Servant1,
GUIL. LONDON.
London House, Octob. 7, 1628.
To the right Honble. my very goode
Lord the Lo. Vicount Conwaye, one
of his Matits. principal! Secretaryes
att Hampton Court, these.
LETTER CCXV.
TO SIR R. HEATH.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
GOOD MR. ATTORNEY,
IT is his Majesty's pleasure that in regard there is no
head of any College in Cambridge already an Ecclesiastical
Commissioner, you now put in Matthew Wrennk, Doctor of
Divinity, Dean of Windsor, and Master of Peterhouse, in
Cambridge, into the Commission now to be renewed, accord
ing to his place. And this shall be your warrant.
GUIL. LONDON.
2° Januar. 1628.
1 [See Diary, Sept. 27, 1628.] showing that it was probably by Laud's
k [This letter, though merely of an influence that Wren was placed on the
official character, is here inserted, as High Commission.]
20 LETTERS.
AD. 1628.
LETTER CCXVI.
TO THE PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF ST. JOHN'S.
[St. John's College, Oxford.]
AFIFR my hearty commendations, &c. I have at this time
some employment for Dr. Parsons1, not far from Warwick
shire, where he hath begun to settle himself, to practise in
his profession of physic ; and it is to take care of some near
friends of minem, who are now like to be forced to enter upon
a course of physic of some continuance. I know your local
statutes give leave to a Bishop to employ any Fellow of your
College for half-a-year, and I shall so far presume upon your
favour as to desire it at this time for Dr. Parsons, that I may
not be driven to put my brother11 and other friends into the
hands of strangers. I cannot doubt but that I shall receive
this courtesy from you, according to the utmost extent of
your statutes ; and I shall ever be ready to acknowledge the
favour, and to return it unto you, as any occasion shall be
offered me, for the good of your society. So I commend me
heartily unto you all, and shall ever rest
Your very loving Friend,
GUIL. LONDON.
London House, Januarie 26th, 1628.
To the Right wors11 my verie loving
frends, Dr. Juxon, President, and
the Senior ffellowes of S'. John Bap-
tiste Colledge in Oxon.
LETTER CCXVIL
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT DORCHESTER.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I WAS no sooner come within my doors but I had this
enclosed letter delivered to my hands. The person, Mr. Oade,
1 [Dr. Philip Parsons, afterwards family, who lived at Stanford in North-
Principal of Hart Hall. He was M.D. amptonshire, on the borders of War-
of Padua, and bad been incorporated wickshire.]
at Oxford, June 20th, in the previous n [Dr. William Robinson, Rector of
year. (Wood, F. 0. i. 443.)] Long Whatton, in Leicestershire.]
111 [Most probably some of the Cave
LETTERS. 21
who writ it, is a proctor that belongs to the civil law, which, A. D. 1629.
I think, made him pick me out to whom he would direct his
letters. The fact, I doubt, is little less than he makes it ;
and the cognizance of it (as I conceive) belongs to your Lord
ship, and my Lords, whom I know you will inform. I have
much need of money ; yet I think it not fit to keep this
coin any longer in my house, lest if there were more
pieces than one, I might burn my fingers with telling it.
My good Lord, I have made bold with this my servant to
send Mr. Oade's man that brought the letter to me, that if
he be able to give any further light, he may ; if he cannot,
your Lordship may yet enjoin him secresy, till you have done
what you think fit in the business. I think he will keep
counsel, though he be not sworn. I leave your Lordship to
the grace of God, and shall so rest
Your Lordship's loving poor Friend and Servant,
Guru LONDON.
Feb. this 25.
To the right Hfirble mye veryegood
Lord the Lord Vicount Dorchester,
one of his Majestyes principall Se-
taryes, these.
LETTER CCXVIIL
TO EDWARD NICHOLAS, ESQ. °
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
AFTER my very hearty commendations. If anything hath
been or shall be moved, touching the account or dealing for
any prize or enemies' goods, or other perquisites of the Ad
miral's jurisdiction within the counties of Pembroke or Car
marthen, or the ports therein, I pray you give me present
knowledge thereof, that I may speak with you before anything
be determined. So I rest
Your very loving Friend,
GUIL. LONDON.
London House, the 4th of July, 1629.
To my verie lovinge freinde Edward
Nicholas Esquire.
0 [Edward Nicholas was first brought and, surviving the troubles, held the
forward by the Duke of Buckingham, same office under King Charles II.,
to whom he was Secretary. He was with whom he had suffered in exile.]
afterwards Secretary toKing Charles I . ,
22 LETTERS.
..D.1629.
LETTER CCXIX.
TO THOMAS DOVE, BISHOP OF PETERBOROUGH.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
MY predecessor, the late Lord Bishop of London P,
received letters-patents from the King's most excellent
Majesty, whereby he was commanded to send your Lordship
a competent number of printed briefs, for the making of a
collection through your diocese for the relief of the poor
distressed ministers of the palatinate*1. The briefs, as I
understand by my officers, were sent accordingly, but
whether they came safe to your Lordship or no, I cannot
tell. I have rather cause to believe they did not, because I
presume your Lordship's care would sooner have perfected
so good a work. Therefore, my earnest desire to your Lord
ship is, that you would now, as much as in you lieth,
advance this pious and charitable business, and according to
the tenor of the briefs, make collections where they have
not yet been made, and with all convenient speed return the
moneys collected, for the business is so often and so much
pressed here, as if all the delay were in my officers, who
cannot receive till it be sent. And I humbly pray your Lord-
ship to give such order that there be no abuse in the collec
tions. So with my very hearty commendations I bid your
Lordship farewell, and rest
Your Lordship's very loving Brother,
GUIL. LONDON.
Fulham, 4° Augusti, 1629.
To the right reverend Father in God,
my very good Lord and brother,
the Lord Bi?. of Peterborough,
theise.
[George Montaigne.] issued as far back as Jan. 29, 162f
[These briefs were ordered to be (See vol. iv. p. 312.)]
LETTERS. 23
LETTER CCXX. A. D. 1629.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT DORCHESTER.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
DR. OWEN, named now to the Bishopric of St. Asaphr, hath
by me moved his Majesty that since he leaves his living in
Northamptonshire s to his Majesty's disposal, and hath
nothing yet in commendam but the archdeaconry, which
hath for many years last past gone with the Bishopric, that
he may have the corn now upon the ground, being the tithe
of the said archdeaconry, without which he shall not be able
the next year to keep house there. This his Majesty hath
graciously granted to the petitioner, and commanded me to
signify so much to your Lordship, that no other suit may
come between to trouble or defeat Dr. Owen. I humbly pray
your Lordship to take this care for him, so I shall rest
Your Lordship's loving poor Friend and Servant,
GUIL. LONDON.
Aug. 9, 1629.
To the right Hrble mye verye good
Lord the Lord Viscount Dorches
ter, principall Secretarye to his
Majeatye, this.
LETTER CCXXI.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT DORCHESTER.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I WAS with his Majesty upon Tuesday, and after some
speech about some business of the Church, it pleased his
Majesty to think of the reviving of the Injunctions of Queen
Elizabeth, which she set forth in the beginning of her
reign*, and to give them new life by his authority. His
' [Vacant by the death of John Sept. 23, 1629. (Wood, Ath. Ox. ii.
Hanmer, July 23, 1629.] 880.) His appointment to this Bishop-
8 [John Owen had been chaplain ric was by Laud's influence. Richard
to the King when Prince of Wales. Cobbe, mentioned several times in
He was Rector of Burton Latimer, in Laud's Diary, and in his Will, was
which place he was born, his father, Bishop Owen's nephew, being the son
Owen Owen, having been his prede- of his sister Catherine.]
cessor as Rector. He was succeeded * [See Wilkins' Cone., vol. iv. pp.
by Rob. Sibthorp, who was instituted 184, seq.]
24 LETTERS.
A. D. 1629. Majesty was likewise pleased further to command me that I
should signify thus much to your Lordship, that so at your
next addresses to him, your Lordship should put him in mind
of it, that so his Majesty might give order accordingly. I
humbly pray your Lordship not to forget it, lest I bear the
blame with his Majesty. So I humbly take my leave of
your Lordship, and shall ever rest
Your Lordship's to be commanded,
GUIL. LONDON.
London House,
Decemb. 10th, 1629.
I have made bold to send your Lordship one of the
books, that you may see it.
To the Right Honble. my very good
Ld. the Ld, Yicount Dorchester,
principall Secretary of State, these.
LETTER CCXXII.
TO THE EARL OF MULGRAVE u.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE laboured as much as my weakness would give
me leave x, that your Lordship might receive a speedy answer
to your kind letters, and the inhabitants of Hammersmith
to their petition. I am heartily sorry to hear of your Lord
ship's infirmity, in which I pray God to give your Lordship
first ease, and then full recovery, which I shall be as glad to
see or hear of as any servant your Lordship keeps. And it
hath not a little troubled me, that the reliques of my fear
ful disease have stuck so close to me, that I have not been
able in all this time to come and visit your Lordship.
Now for the business itself, I first considered of the roll
which your Lordship sent me, where I find the contribution
towards the building rising to 242/. 7s. and ^d., or thereabouts,
11 [Edmund Sheffield, first Earl of x [See Diary, Aug. 14, 1629, (vol.
Mulgrave, created February 7, 1626, iii. p. 211), and Hist, of Chancellor-
ob. 1646.] ghip, April 28, 1630. (Vol. v. p. 10).]
LETTERS. 25
besides (as I conceive) the materials allowed by Mr. Crispe y, A. D. 1629
and the east window to be built by Mr. Saunders. And for
the minister, I find the allowance written down comes to
28 J. 13s. and 4d.
For the building, I think there be money enough promised
to make a pretty little chapel of ease for the inhabitants,
but no man hath yet signified to me where, or whose the
ground is upon which it shall stand ; and I shall look that it
be built as other churches are, east and west, without tricks :
and so I shall freely give both leave and countenance to so
good a work, and the ease of my neighbours z.
That which is behind will ask a little more deliberation.
And first for the rights of the mother church of Fulhain, I
must and do confess that the petitioners do fairly acknow
ledge that they will pay and perform all duties to their
parish church with as much alacrity and cheerfulness as
ever before. But, my Lord, payments are not all. For there
are some duties which do ever remain entire to the mother
church, and are seldom or ever granted to any chapel of ease.
Such as are burial; and that the inhabitants receive the
blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of our Saviour
Jesus Christ, once in the year at least, namely, at Easter, at
the mother church ; and I would be loth to go beyond the
Church canon or custom in that behalf, concerning which I
will presently inform myself if there be further need.
I likewise sent for Dr. Cluett, the Vicar of Fulham, to
see what he had to say further for the mother church ; and
I find by him that he hath been lately with your Lordship,
and hath received satisfaction from your Lordship and his
neighbours concerning his duties ; and for other things he
leaves the care of it upon mea.
There are two greater difficulties yet behind, both con
cerning the minister. The first is, if it please your Lordship
to cast your eye upon the roll of allowances, you shall there
see that a great part of them which contribute to the
r [Afterwards Sir Nicholas Crispe, p. 96.) It was consecrated June 7,
a well-known and faithful adherent of 1631. (Ibid. p. 213.)]
the royal cause. About this time he a [Dr. duet's " Provisos for the
built a large mansion at Hammer- Mother Church in the Matter of Ham-
smith.] mersmith Chapel," are still preserved
1 [The first stone of this Chapel in S. P. 0.]
was laid March 11, 16§§. (See vol. iii.
26 LETTERS.
A. D. 1629. minister, do it upon this condition, ' as long as they continue
there ; ' so that if some of them remove, the minister's
allowance may be a great deal impaired, especially if your
Lordship should at any time remove thence. And for them
which give without this condition, yet they assure nothing
upon their house or land, so that when they are dead, their
heirs may choose (for aught I know) whether they will
make any allowance or no. And so in the end it may fall
out that the Vicar of Fulham must maintain the curate,
or the chapel stand empty ; and therefore a perpetuity must
be thought of; and if that cannot be done, I do not see
how the work can subsist.
The second difficulty is concerning the public government
of the Church ; for the petitioners desire that they may
tender to the Bishop's approbation an honest, able, and
conformable minister. These words, my Lord, are very
good, but I have been beaten and forced to understand
that some men under these titles bring in notorious dis
turbers of the peace of the Church. Therefore, my Lord,
I shall be very unwilling to give way to any popular nomi
nation ; but if the inhabitants will trust me with the nomi
nation, I will see that they shall have an honest and painful
man there, and so I doubt not but my successors will after
me. If they plead that they allow the maintenance, and
therefore should have the nomination, I must answer that
they give that allowance for their ease, not that they should
dispose of the Bishop's office. Besides, Fulham is the only
place that I have to retire myself unto, and it is now at
quiet, and an orderly parish, arid I would be very loth to
make way for any busy-headed man to disturb both that
place and me.
And lastly, I humbly crave leave to tell your Lordship that
I wonder much at one passage in the roll, where your Lord
ship may find a man that gives nothing to the minister, and
yet prescribes both to the Bishop, and the inhabitants, that
they shall choose two conformable ministers, and the Bishop
shall take one of them. But I do not mean to be so hampered
by him, to say no more.
Now, my Lord, I crave pardon for length and the free
discharge of my duty. And if anything in these letters
LETTERS. 27
shall not relish your Lordship, I shall be ready to satisfy A. D. 1629,
you either in person, so soon as I am able, or by letters,
if it so seem good to your Lordship. So with my prayers
for your health, I humbly take my leave, and rest
Your Lordship's to be commanded.
London House,
December 10, 1629.
Endorsed :
' Mye answear to mye Ld. Mulgraves
first Leters about the Chappell att
Hamersmith.'b
LETTER CCXXIII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT DORCHESTER..
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
CONCERNING the business of the Queen's Injunctions
which your Lordship was pleased to write to me about, it is
most true that some of them reflect upon the beginning of
her reign; but yet, notwithstanding, I conceive under favour,
and with submission to better judgments, that even they are
one of the best authorities we have for the proceedings of
those times.
As for the second doubt that is made, whether King James
of blessed memory did ever revive them in his time, I can
say no more but this. I have advised both with some of my
own papers and with such friends as were nearer the passages
of those times than I then was, and I cannot find as yet that
ever K. James did make any particular ratification or re-
vivor of these Injunctions, further than is contained in the
canons made in his Majesty's first year, or in the conference
at Hampton Court, or in the proclamation printed with the
Book of Common Prayer ; all which (if I mistake not) come
short of divers things contained in the Injunctions.
b [This document is in a clerk's hand, corrected by Laud.]
28 LETTERS.
A. D. 1629. I must further acquaint your Lordship, that in those times
divers of the best lawyers were of opinion that these Injunc
tions were as ecclesiastical laws in force, although the Queen
were dead : but I do not find that all lawyers agreed in that
opinion, and of what judgment the lawyers of the present
time are I do not know. So I humbly submit the business
to his Majesty's wisdom, and shall ever rest
Your Lordship's affectionate Friend to serve you,
GUIL, LONDON.
Lond. House,
Decemb. 12, 1629.
To the Eight Honble. my very good
Lord the Ld. Vicount Dorchester,
principall Secretary to his Ma1? :
these.
LETTER CCXXIV.
TO SIR JOHN COKE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
RIGHT HONOURABLE, my love and service remembered unto
you.
I received letters a day or two since from Doctor Dee c,
and my Lord Ambassador's Chaplain in France d. In those
letters he sent me three other inclosed6, which seem to come
from an English gentleman there imprisoned ; who com
plains grievously. Why the Doctor sent me these letters,
as he doth not express, so I do not know. The gentleman is
altogether unknown unto me, and I do not remember that I
ever heard so much as his name before. Your Honour shall
find all three letters here inclosed ; and I make bold to send
them unto you, partly because you are named in some of
c [Francis Dee, appointed Dean of 1616 he assisted at the Conference of
Chichester in 1630, and in 1634 Bp. Loudun, between the Komanists and the
of Peterborough. He died Oct. 8, Protestants ; and was appointed again,
1638. (Wood, F. 0. i. 300.)] in 1629, Ambassador to the French
d [Sir Thomas Edmondes. He was Court for the ratification of the treaty
employed as early as 1592, as agent of peace.]
for Queen Elizabeth in Paris. In 1610 e [These inclosures are still pre-
he was sent as Ambassador to France, served with the letter.]
on the assassination of Henry IV. Tn
LETTERS. 29
the letters, and partly because there is somewhat in the letter A. D. 1G29.
which is to his wife, which a Secretary of State perhaps may
make use of. I humbly pray your Honour to pardon this
boldness, and so wishing you many happy new years, I take
my leave, and rest
Your Honour's loving Friend to serve you,
GTJIL. LONDON.
London House,
Decemb. 28, 1629.
To the right Honble. my very lovinge
frend Sr. John Cooke, knight,
principall Secretary of State, these.
LETTER CCXXV.
TO THE EARL OF MULGRAVE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE found so much nobleness and respect from your
Lordship, that I should be much to blame if I should not be
as careful as I may of your Lordship's health. Out of that
care I made bold to say to your servant I would not have
your Lordship, in a disease so uncertain and so full of danger,
commit yourself unto the hands of one physician only. The
debate and consultation of two may happily drive things to a
better issue than can be presently hoped for, or than it is
probable one man's eyes can see. I made bold further to
say, that if your Lordship thought fitter to rely upon one, it
were requisite you should pitch upon some man very well
skilled in anatomy, and of great experience in his profession.
For without that skill all other knowledge will fall short of
your Lordship's disease, falling so much upon chirurgery. I
humbly pray your Lordship to forgive me this boldness ; and
upon whomsoever you rely, I shall heartily pray that it may be
with success to your health. For my own estate, I was coming
on with some hope the last week ; but since, upon Tuesday,
the 23rd of this December, and the two days after, I had so
30 LETTERS.
A. D. 1629. fierce a tide within me, that it hath cast me much back, and I
pray God it may end so, and that it be not yet worse with me.
My Lord, for the business, I pray your Lordship to know
that I am very hearty for the building of the chapel, and will
do anything that conveniently I may to help the work for
wards, and this I speak from my heart as I do the rest. And
for the plot of ground, the manner of building, and the re
ference of such things as must be reserved to the mother
church of Fulham, your Lordship's letters have given me
abundant satisfaction ; and when the time shall serve I will
prescribe and order those things with as much favour to the
chapel as I may with justice to the mother church.
So far, my Lord, the business goes on fair; but for the
two other difficulties, your Lordship's letters do not satisfy
me in either. For the maintenance first. My Lord, I did
not desire a perpetuity only upon a doubt that that which
was promised upon condition now might fail hereafter, but
I did it because I am bound so to do by the ecclesiastical
laws; and I did not trust mine own judgment only, but I
caused my Chancellor f to consider of it and give me
his answer, who returned that there must be a perpetuity.
Neither did I write this altogether out of hope, for Mr.
Crisp, being with me upon other business, and speech falling
cross of this chapel, he told me he did not doubt of a per
petuity. And, good my Lord, do not think the doubt
grounded upon no just cause. For though it be more than
shame for the successors to deprive themselves of so great a
benefit for so small a charge (their predecessors especially
having undergone both that and the greater charge of building
the chapel), yet how many do we daily see do those things
which impudence itself would be ashamed of. And as the
education of this age is, I cannot conceive how the next should
be better. Notwithstanding this, my Lord, because you write
there is no possibility of settling a present perpetuity, I will
deliberate further ; and out of my hearty desire that the
work may proceed, and your Lordship, with my neighbours,
receive content, I will yield to anything which in the judg
ment of such men I shall name, and your Lordship shall like,
I may yield unto.
f [Dr. Arthur Duck.]
LETTERS. 3 1
For the next, which is the maintenance of the minister, I A. D. 1629.
do easily conceive, that to leave the nomination to the inha
bitants will, as your Lordship writes, advance the minister's
maintenance; but I shall never give way, my Lord, to a
popular nomination. For which resolution as I crave pardon*
so must I also for not accepting the offer made by your
Lordship of committing the nomination to some few of my
own choosing. For though I do confess the offer to be very
fair and loving, and do so embrace it ; yet it is a popular
election still, be they more or fewer that shall name to the
Bishop. And though I humbly and heartily thank your
Lordship that no doubt is made of me, but only how I may
be succeeded; the like must I answer for the nomination
desired; for I heartily profess I have no distrust of your
Lordship, nor of the most of the inhabitants, but I do not
know how your Lordship and they may be succeeded.
And further, my Lord, (which I forgot to express in my
last letters,) the parsonage of Fulham is in the gift of the
Bishop as patron, upon which depends the vicarage of which
this chapel must be a member, so that the nomination of the
minister, which is desired, would not only take away the
Bishop's general right as diocesan, but part of his inheritance
as patron ; and no township shall, upon any pretence, make me
give away the least hair of the inheritance of my bishopric.
(I pray your Lordship remember upon this passage, that I
conceive a circumstance which I may not write for fear of
mistaking, but if I live to see you, as I hope I may shortly,
I will tell it to your Lordship, and with your favour it may
take off all difficulty in this point.)
Now for the conclusion of your Lordship's letters, I do
ingeniously profess to you upon that credit which I desire to
hold with your Lordship, no man hath directly or indirectly
done any ill office to me concerning any of your neighbours, as
if they were men forward to bring in a busy or a factious man ;
and I know your Lordship would not endure it, should they
attempt it, and therefore, good my Lord, let that suspicion die.
For Mr. Aldworth, I know the man well, and he is a little
kin to me, though very far off%, and therefore I took his
8 [A Richard Aldworth, of Milk of John Webbe, Laud's maternal uncle.
Street. London, married a daughter This was probably the person.]
32 LETTERS.
A. D. 1629. subscription to the roll so much the worse. And for his
letter, though he say his meaning be mistaken, yet in the
self-same letter he says the self-same thing again. But he
shall be no hindrance, my Lord, so the business itself may
be rectified.
My Lord, I have written my heart and plainly to you, and
I hope ere long God will make me able to come and take the
air at Fulham, and whenever I do that, I will return by
Hammersmith and see your Lordship, and I am heartily glad
to hear by Mr. Fenton11 that your Lordship^ s ease and health
comes on beyond expectation (for that was his word). And
with my prayers that it may continue so, and be speedy and
perfect health, I leave your Lordship to the grace of God,
and shall ever rest
Your Lordship's humble Servant.
Lond. House, Dec. 29, 1629.
Endorsed :
« The Copye of mye second Leters to
my Lo. Mulgraue about Hauler-
smith Chappell.'
LETTER CCXXVI.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT DOR.CHESTER.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERI GOOD LORD,
YOUR Lordship's two letters came so close together, that
by that time I had read the first, the second was come, and
it took off the malignity of the contents of the first letter,
but not my care to prevent as much of the spreading as I
can. I have therefore { sent to all that 1 can use, to inform
me of such libels, and I purpose before I sleep to set them in
the best way I can for the discourage of this malice, and then
shall give your Lordship further account if I can do any
service ; but they are now grown very cunning.
h [Probably the John Fenton * [The word is written ' go,' which
mentioned in the Diary, Feb. 20, seems from many instances to be
1626.] Laud's abbreviation for ' ergo.']
LETTERS. 33
For the second business, my Lord, I confess it pleases me A. D. 1629.
at the heart, and I heartily pray God to perfect this great
mercy begun. But, my Lord, I pray remember my most
humble duty and service to his Majesty, and give me leave to
acquaint him in all humbleness that the business of thanks
giving and prayer cannot be done to-morrow for this great
blessing k. For there must be a prayer made ; my Lord's
Grace of Cant, must have notice of it in ordinary course, and
call some other Bishops to him ; when it is agreed upon it
must be shewed his Majesty for him to approve it. This
cannot be done to-night. And should I cause the preacher
at St. Paul's Cross to-morrow to use such prayer or thanks
giving, when none is come forth to be read in the churches
by authority, it would subject me, and the business itself, to
more interpretations than I think, under favour, were fit.
I pray your Lordship let my Lord's Grace of Cant, be sent
unto so soon as you can, and with care all may be ready
against Wednesday next, which is Twelfth-day. This is the
best and all the account I can yet give your Lordship of both
your letters. So I humbly take my leave, and rest
Your Lordship's in all love to serve you,
GUIL. LONDON.
This 2 of Janu. 1629.
To the right Honble mye verye good
Lord, ye Lord Vicout Dorchester,
principall Secretarye of State,
these.
LETTER CCXXVII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT DORCHESTER.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I PRAY your Lordship not to think much that as yet I
have given your Lordship no answer about the Injunctions.
The cause is partly my own infirmity 1 ; which will not give
me yet leave to be busy with my books : and partly because
k [This was probably the expected J [He had been suffering for some
birth of an heir to the throne. See months, from the effects of fever, with
the form of Prayer, vol. iii. pp. -102, which he had been attacked the pre-
103. Prince Charles, it will be re- vious August. (See Diary, Aug. 14,
membered, was born on the 29th of 1629.)]
the following May.]
LAUD —VOL. VT. ATT. 1)
34 LETTERS.
A. D. 1629. the business itself hath multiplied beyond either his Majesty's
or your Lordship's expectation ; for we find there are divers
other canons and constitutions made in the Queen's time
beside the Injunctions, all which must be taken into consi
deration, or else the business will be very imperfect, and
I doubt some things will fall out so cross that the business
will be hardly mastered; which my Lordships the Bishops
will humbly submit to his Majesty's wisdom, so soon as they
have done their best endeavours.
Concerning the two libellous writings about which your
Lordship writ unto me, I took all the care I could, and that
presently, and this I find, that when they whom I employed
came to the Custom-house, they found out by some means
that those base writings were not ready to come over as yet,
but happily they may very soon ; so they pretended their
search was for Doway Bibles, and returned. By this employ
ing of them I find two great defects for want of warrant, but
'tis too long to write, and therefore the next opportunity
I have to come to Court, I will wait upon your Lordship and
acquaint you with the whole business, that then you may so
do, as in wisdom you shall think fittest for the State.
One business more I have to trouble your Lordship with,
by the King's command, which is for the granting of the
vicarage of Broad-Hemston, in the county of Devon, to
Nathaniel Delaune, Mr. of Arts m, which his Majesty gives in
honourable recompense because his father, Mr. Peter Delaune,
left a benefice of greater value to his Majesty's disposal above
a year since. His Majesty would have your Lordship draw a
bill presently that this bearer, Mr. Delaune, may have it signed,
and not stay longer here, to his further charge or trouble.
So I humbly take my leave of your Lordship, and rest
Your Lordship's Friend to be commanded,
GUIL. LONDON.
Lond. House, Jan. 5, 1629.
To the right Honoble. my very good
Lord, the Ld. Vicount Dorchester,
principall Secretary to His Majesty,
these.
m [He was of C. C. C. Cambridge, of Du Moulin's Elements of Logic.
and published, in 1624, a translation (Wood, F. 0. ii. 91.)]
LETTE11S. 35
A. D. 1629.
LETTER CCXXVIII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT DORCHESTER.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I WAS yesterday to attend his Majesty by command, else
the day was not a day of choice for a thin man to go abroad.
I was heartily sorry when I returned, and heard your Lord
ship had honoured me to call at London House, and that
I was so unfortunate to be absent ; but now I give your Lord
ship humble and hearty thanks by these.
Mr. Lucas n was after my return with me from your Lord
ship, and showed me the warrant for the Commendam of my
Lord the Bishop elect of Rochester °, which certainly in the
ordinary way (the Commendam being only ad retinendum) is
to pass by my Lord's Grace of Canterbury.
When I was with his Majesty he was pleased to give me this
petition enclosed, which he is most graciously pleased to grant
for the good of the poor Church of Ireland, and would have let
ters drawn up accordingly, that the clergy there in their several
incumbencies may not fail to be partakers of the intended
benefit P. His Majesty commanded me to send this petition
by this bearer*1 , who came from my Lord Primate of Armagh r
about this and other Irish affairs, and to write to your Lord
ship expressly, that he would have this clause very punctually
set down in the letters ; ' That the ministers in their several
cures may have this intended benefit secured upon them, and
that my Lord Primate of Armagh do carefully look unto it,
and after it is done give notice to his Majesty how it is settled/
But his Majesty will not have them settled upon the Bishops
" [The Clerk of the Council.] * [Mr. Hygate, or Heygate, aftcr-
0 [John Bowie.] wards Bp. of Kilienora. See vol. vi-
P [This relates to the restoration of pp. 267, 270, 324.]
impropriations. See vol. vi. p. 270.] r [James Ussher.]
36 LETTERS.
D. 1630. for them to dispose to their clergy as they list. My Lord,
I wish you health and happiness, and so rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
GUIL. LONDON.
Lond. House, Jan. 26, 1629.
To the Eight Honble. my very good
Lord, the Ld. Vicount Dorchester,
principall Secretary to his
these.
LETTER CCXXIX.
TO EDWARD STANLEY, SCHOOLMASTER OF WINCHESTER COLLEGE 8.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. O.j
SIR,
I HAVE not troubled you much with any suit belonging
to your place in Winchester, neither have I any purpose often
so to do. But you know how much I am bound to my old
friend Mr. Windebancke. And if I do live to be able to do you
any good hereafter, I owe that, under God, to the great love
and care I found from him in the time of my great extremity*.
Therefore I must not refuse to desire your favour to choose
one of his many sons into Winchester College at this next
election, and to do your best to do him that kindness, as well
to ease his great charge of children, as to put his son into
a way of breeding. I shall take this love from you very
heartily, and return it upon you, as God shall make me able.
I pray fail me not in this, and you shall see my requests shall
be few. Commend my love to Mr. Warden". So I leave you
to the grace of God, and shall ever rest, &c.
June, 1630.
Endorsed by Windebank :
' Copy of my Lo. London's Ire. to
the Schoole Mr. of Win ton : for
Jacke.'
• [See vol. vi. p. 278.] Aug. 14, 1629.)]
1 [He was attacked with fever at u [Dr. Nicholas Love. He died
Windebank's house, and remained shortly afterwards.]
there for many weeks. (See Diary,
LETTERS. 37
A. D. 1630.
LETTER CCXXX.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT DORCHESTER.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
Salutem in Christo.
MY MUCH HONOURED LORD,
I HAD not been out of Court, (and by that means I put
you to the trouble of a letter,) but that I found myself not
very well, and so retired to give myself a little ease, which
I saw I could not there take. The materials of the letters to
be sent to New College, your Lordship shall here receive ; but
when the letter is ready, I humbly pray your Lordship it
may not be put to the King for his hands till I have seen it ;
and I shall not fail (God willing) to wait upon your Lordship
about it on Saturday v.
Concerning Dr. Bancroft' sx brother, Mr. Richard Bancroft,
and his unhappy business, I was present at the High Com
mission when his cause was heard, and he censured for so
much as he was found guilty of. A part of this censure was
the bond, mentioned in the petition, into which he entered.
The cause for which he is now questioned and prosecuted is
for being in the woman's company since, contrary to his bonds
and the admonition of the court. Now, as I take it, all that
he desires the pardon for, is to avoid a presumption in law
which supposeth the petitioner guilty, because he was since
in the woman's company. And therefore, in this case, I
suppose a pardon to be agreeable to his Majesty's grace and
mercy ; though where a crime is in question, and not only
such a presumption of law upon the bond, it might be thought
unfit (with due submission be it spoken) to pardon any great
crime depending in the High Commission. I can give your
Lordship no further account, but humbly submit this to his
v [These were letters respecting the x [John Bancroft, Master of Uni-
election of a Warden of Winchester versity College; afterwards Bishop of
College. See vol. vi. p. 288.] Oxford.]
38 LETTERS.
A. D. 1G31. Majesty's goodness and wisdom, and your Lordship's care,
ever resting
Your Lordship's ready and affectionate Servant,
GUIL/ LONDON.
Fulham, Septemb. 30th, 1630.
To ye right HoD.ble. my very singular
good Lord, ye Ld. Viscount Dor
chester, one of his Majesty es princi-
pall Secretary es, at ye Court, these.
LETTER CCXXXI.
TO SIR JOHN LAMBE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
Salutem in Christo.
SIR,
YOUR former letters I did receive, and was confident,
without your promise, that you would never call me ad testi-
ficandum ; only if I had been ready for mirth I might have
made good sport (you know with whom) about it ; for that's
the way to Winchester.
For your second letters, as I gained no information by
them (for I knew all that you write concerning Green's
Norton, alias Norton Davy, and more than what you write,
above a quarter of a year since), so would I have given no
answer to them, but that I observe what a great courtier you
are grown of late, and how cold a friend. For though Green's
Norton be almost as far from you as Tossetor?, yet that being
in the King's gift, you can give me notice of it ; but Sudborow
being in the poor Bishop of London's gift, and known to you
to be so, having been so long Chancellor of Northampton2,
and seeing what passed at the last institution, and being
under your nose at Kowell, you can send me no word of that,
though the parson of Sudborow be as dangerously sick (if he
be living) as the parson of Green's Norton is. I did not think
you could have respected me so little, for you cannot but
f [Towcester.] Diocese of Peterborough, June 10,
1 [Lambe had been appointed Joint 1615. (Wood, F. 0. ii. 58.)]
Commissary and Vicar-General of the
LETTERS. 39
hear of the sickness of the parson ; and were I apt to take A. D. 1631.
unkindnesses from old friends, I should take this very un
kindly from you, especially seeing that men both remoter
from the place and from my acquaintance have given me
notice of it. To make me amends, you shall do very well
to inquire presently in what state things there are, and to
ride over to Sudborow yourself, for it may be the parson may
be dead, and I may have some wrong done me in the insti
tution by the new Bishop % against his will, as perhaps not
knowing that the patronage is mine. If it be void (which
I will look to hear certainly from you, by the next carrier),
I pray send me exact word how far Sudborow is distant from
Brackly, in the common estimate of the country there. So
hoping you will think this no great trouble that I put you to,
I leave you to the grace of God, and shall ever rest
Your very loving Friend,
GTJIL. LONDON.
Lond. House, Apr. 14, 1631.
The Bishop of Peterborough is now in town, and I do
purpose to speak with him about it so soon as I shall see him.
To ye right worp11 : my very louing
freind Sr. John Lambe K*. at his
house at Kowell in Northamp :
shire, these.
LETTER CCXXXII.
TO LORD COTTINGTON.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. O.]
MY LORD,
WHICH title give me leave to congratulate with a great
deal of affection amongst those that honour youb. I was in
hope that my letters written to you and my Lord Treasurer*
a [William Pierce, elected Sept. 17, fixes the date of this letter within a
1630.] few days.]
b [Sir Francis Cottington was raised c [Richard, Lord Weston, afterwards
to the peerage July 10, 1631, which Earl of Portland.]
40 LETTERS.
A. D. 1631. had given some satisfaction touching what ye were pleased to
write unto me upon information given you by the Commis
sioners : until coming to wait on the King at Oxford,
I found his Majesty possessed with the circumstances men
tioned in your letters, that my denying the possession of the
lodge had drawn great and notable inconveniences upon his
service ; and that he was by that means disappointed of
£15,000. which should then have been paid, and is still
unpaidd. I humbly desired his Majesty not to believe that
my behaviour in that particular could beget such prejudice
to his service; and if it pleased him to command the business
to be examined, I would renounce his pardon and favour,
which I valued above all things in the world, if ever it were
made appear that those disservices could be justly imputed
to me. My Lord, I know you are quick-sighted, and I have
heretofore faithfully made report to you of all that passed
touching that matter ; wherefore, I beseech you, do me that
right to set me in his Majesty's favour and good opinion as
you find I have deserved ; or if anything stick upon me, let
me know the particulars and be called to clear myself, which
I shall account a singular favour from your Lordship, and
truly be obliged for ever to be
Endorsed :
' A coppye of my letter to ye lord
Cottington.'
LETTER CCXXXIII.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HIGHNESS,
I HAVE been honoured with letters from your Majesty
in behalf of Dr. Higges, whom, together with his worth and
sufficiency, I have known for these many years ; and I ever
found him very honest and learned. I may with the more
d [It appears by an undated entry in ceedings of the Lord Treasurer and
the Diary, between June 26 and July Cottington, the nature of which is
26 of this year, that Laud felt him- not stated. See vol. iii. p. 214.]
self much aggrieved by some pro-
LETTERS. 41
freedom and assurance give him this testimony, because for A D. 1631
some years he was bred in the same College with me, where
I could not but see his civility and studiousness. For the
particular concerning the church of St. David's, where I once
was Bishop, I am ready to give him such particular both
direction and assistance, as he shall think his cause may
need, and that as well in his absence as now6. And I shall
be ready to recommend so much of it to the King, my gra
cious master's care, as shall be fit. But I hope in so just a
cause there will be no need to implore so great help : if there
be, I shall be ready. And hereafter, in anything else within
my power, and much the rather for his time spent in your
Highness' service, I shall be ready to do my best endeavour
for him. Which, as all the rest of my poor service, I desire
may be such as may express my care, in all humility, to be
found
Your Highness' most humble Servant,
GUIL. LONDON.
Aug. 27, 1631.
Endorsed :
'August 27, 1631.
The copye of my Letters to ye Queen
of Bohemia.'
LETTER CCXXXIV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT DORCHESTER.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. O.J
MY LORD,
His Majesty hath commanded me to signify his pleasure
to you, that you forthwith give order to the Clerk of the Signet
attending to prepare a bill fit for his Majesty's signature, and
[to] pass the Great Seal of England, containing a grant in
reversion to Robert Readef and William Dells, gent., of the
e [Higgs, who was first a scholar Chancellorship of St. David's, in the
of St. John's on the Reading foun- previous June. The point on which he
dation, and afterwards a Fellow of required Laud's intervention, probably
Merton, was by Laud's influence related to the revenues of the Stall.]
appointed Chaunter of St. David's and f [A nephew of Sir Francis Winde-
Rector of Cliffe in Kent. He was bank. Many of his letters to his
appointed Dean of Lichfield in 1638. uncle are printed by Prynne in
(Wood, Ath. Ox. iii. 479.) ' Hidden Works.']
Higgs had been appointed to the s [Laud's faithful secretary.]
42 LETTERS.
A. D. 1631. office of one of the Clerks of his Majesty's Signet during the
life of Thomas Windebankh, gent., son of Francis Windebank,
now Clerk of the Signet, with all profits and commodities
thereunto belonging, to be held by them to the only use and
behoof of the said Thomas Windebank, as soon as the said
place shall become void, after such as have former grants of
the same. Which I humbly recommend to your Lordship's
love and care, and shall ever rest
Your Lordship's loving poor Friend to serve you,
GUIL. LONDON.
29. Septem. 1631.
To the Eight Hoble. my very good
Lord the Lo : Vicomte Dorchester,
Principall Secretary of State to his
LETTER CCXXXV.
TO SIR HENRY VANE.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I WISH you all health and happiness in your employment1.
I shall, according to my promise, take all the care I can for
Mr. Blechenden'sk business. But sure if Dr. Anyan l have
denied Dr. Huntm his dividend in the church of Canterbury,
h [Many of his letters to his father of MSS. (See Mrs. Green's Life of
are also printed by Prynne, ut supra. Queen of Bohemia, pp. 493, seq.)]
He was Groom of the Chamber to the k [See vol. iv. p. 223.]
King.] l [Dr. Thomas Anyan was Pre-
5 [Vane had been sent abroad in the bendary of Gloucester, when Laud
previous September, to renew the was Dean (see vol. iv. p. 233). He
treaty with Christian IV. King of was also President of C. C. C. Oxf.
Denmark, and to make a confederacy ' Afterwards beingfound unfit to govern
with Gustavus Adolphus, the King of a college, because he was a fosterer of
Sweden. He returned to England in faction, he resigned his presidentship,
Nov. 1632. Several of his letters and was made Prebendary of Canter-
while engaged in this embassy are bury,' where he died in 1632. (Wood,
preserved in Kushworth, vol. ii. pp. F. 0. i. 359.)]
129, 166, seq. There are others yet m [Dr. Richard Hunt, the Dean of
unpublished in the Domestic and Durham. He was appointed Dean in
Swedish Correspondence, S. P. 0., and 1620, but appears to have held his
in Sir Thomas Phillipps's Collection stall at Canterbury up to this time.]
LETTERS. 43
it is not with any eye to your Chaplain, but to increase their A. D. 1632.
own dividend; for it hath been a custom in that church, and
in some others, to allow some small proportion to him that
lives absent, and when the audit comes, to share the remainder
among themselves, towards their charge of housekeeping
upon the place. And, howsoever, if they refuse to give the
Dean of Durham anything at all, yet Mr. Blechenden cannot
challenge any part of it, being as yet no prebend there. And
whosoever caused your Lordship to write in that way, did
much deceive both himself and you. For the business, if
I live to see the place made void, I shall fail in no point of
trust, but be ready to move his Majesty for Mr. Blechenden.
How affairs go in those parts, the latest carrier will bring
me word time enough. I heartily pray that all may go well
for the settlement of Christendom, and the honour of our
master, neither do I expect to hear anything from you;
I understand your place and myself better than so.
Thus ending with those prayers which began my letter,
I leave you to the grace of God, and shall ever rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend and Servant,
GUIL. LONDON.
Lond. House, Januar. 27, 1631.
To ye right Honble. Sr. Henry Vane,
Ld. Embassador for his Ma^. of
Great Brittayne, at Ments in
Germany, these.
LETTER CCXXXVI.
TO SECRETARY WINDEBANK.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christo.
MR. SECRETARY,
FOR though you think perchance that I am apt enongh to
jest, yet I know you will believe these enclosed11. And this
present day in the afternoon at Council, Secretary Cooke is
n [Windebank had just been ap- This letter was probably the first
pointed Secretary of State by Laud's intimation he received of his appoint-
interest (see Diary, June 15, 1632). ment.]
44 LETTERS.
A. D. 1632. by his Majesty's special command to declare it to the Lords.
So now you have a second cure to attend as well as your
son-in-law °. The name of the parish is S. Troubles. And
now I return you your prayers for me: God send you as much
health as you may have business. I have sent Dr. Ducke
to bring you the news, that the women may abuse him for his
last week's knavery.
I pray you make haste up, and follow the directions of this
enclosed. And among other benefits I doubt not but the
very naming you to this place will make them at Oxford look
well to your son. So in great haste I leave you to the grace
of God, and rest
Your very loving Friend,
GUIL. LONDON.
Fulham House, June 13, 1632.
We took another conventicle of separatists in Newingtou
Woods upon Sunday last in the very brake where the
King's stag should have been lodged for his hunting the
next morning.
I pray commend me to your good Lady Madame, forsooth.
To ye right Worp". my very Honble.
freind Mr. Francis Windebanke at
his house at Heynes hill, these.
LETTER CCXXXVI1.
TO SIR JOHN LAMBE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christ o.
SIR,
I THANK you for the MSS. which you sent, and I have
received the whole number of one and twenty, and the cata
logue enclosed. As for Aurora P, you shall have your desires.
0 [Dr. Thomas Turner. (See vol. Evangelia metrice reddens. Quo in
iv. p. 270.)] opere .... non solum historicum
P [This Book, written by Petrus de sensum, sed etiam allegoricum, in
Kiga, is thus described by Cave (Hist, quantum potuit, breviter expressit.'
Lit. vol. ii. p. 239) : ' Scripsit Petrus There is a copy among Sir K. Digby's
Heptateuchum, quern Auroram voca- MSS. in the Bodleian Library.]
vit, duos libros Regum, et quatuor
LETTERS. 45
I will keep it till you come, and you shall perform the pro- A. D. 1632.
mise of binding it if you please.
It is but a melancholy conceit, or a dream rather, of your
returning to the University there to live a retired life as you
began. I know what hares do when they be over-hunted,
though you had not told it me ; but I will yet hope as long
as I can that it will not be so with you. If it should so be,
I have given you the best comfort I can already, and so you
acknowledge. One comfort I have more for you. You will
lose your wager to me, and therefore I pray provide for it
against this term. As for the greater business which I spake
with you concerning Mr. Secretary, I hope you will give me
at your coming up such an answer as shall best fit and
content yourself, against which I shall never press you. So
wishing you health and happiness, and that peace which you
desire, I leave you to the grace of God, and shall ever rest
Your very loving Friend,
GUIL. LONDON.
Fulham House, Septemb. 7, 1632.
To the right Worp11. my very
worthy freind, Sr John Lambe Kt.
at his house at Rowell in Northamp :
shyre, these.
LETTER CCXXXVIII.
TO DR. WILLIAM JUXON, PRESIDENT OF ST. JOHN'S.
[St. John's College, Oxford.]
Salutem in Christo.
AFTER my hearty commendations, &c. I have of late been
so happy (by God's blessing) as to be a means to settle the
schoolmastership of the Merchant Taylors' School upon
Mr. John Edwardesq, a deserving member of that College
where you govern. This is a thing which I have for many
i [John Edwards was admitted pro- elected Head Master of the School
bationer Fellow of St. John's College Feb. 13, 163$, and entered upon his
(having been educated at Merchant office the Midsummer following. He
Taylors' School), in 1617: he was gave up this appointment on Oct. 31,
46 LETTERS.
A. D, 1632. years together heartily desired, and am glad to see it effected
so well. I hope Mr. Edwards his carriage will be so discreet
and give such contentment to that Company that whensoever
he shall think fit to leave the school, they may be willing to
choose another St. John's man in succession, which as it will
be a great benefit to the College, so I hope it will be a good
means of unity between them and the Company. At this
present, by reason of my preparation for Scotland r, and other
businesses which lie upon me, I shall have occasion to make
use of divers men, and among them of Mr. Edwards, for the
transcribing of some scholarlike papers, which in the evening,
and other times of freedom from his school, he may help to
despatch for me, being such as I am not willing to trust in
every man's hands. Some other businesses I have likewise
both with him and for him, which have relation to the Com
pany, and the settlement of that place. I know by your local
statutes you may give leave to any Fellow, for half a year's
absence, if he be employed by any Bishop s, as now for a
time Mr. Edwardes must be by me. These are therefore to
desire you to propose and grant this power of absence to
him, which I know will turn to his and your College benefit.
And so not doubting of your love and kindness herein, either
to myself or him, I leave you to the grace of God, and rest
Your very loving Friend,
GUIL. LONDON.
London House, Decemb. 24th, 1632.
To ye Right Wor11 my very worthy
ffreind Dr Juxon, Deane of Wor
cester, and President of S. John
Baptist College in Oxon.
1634, when he returned to the Univer- Bliss, is a Comedy by Edwards, entitled
sity (having never resigned his Fellow- ' Saturnalia,' apparently prepared foi
ship), and became one of the Proctors publication, with a Dedication to Laud,
in the year following. He was chosen as President of St. John's.]
Sedleian Professor of Natural Phi- r [He set out with the King in the
losophy in 1638, and graduated in following May. See Diary, May 13,
Medicine the next year. He retained 1633. These papers no doubt related
his fellowship and professorship till to the King's Coronation, and to the
the Rebellion, when he was deprived preparation of a Service Book for
of both of these offices with circum- Scotland, which had been under con-
stances of great cruelty. (Information sideration ever since 1629. (See above,
from Rev. Dr. Hessey, of Merchant vol. iii. p. 427.)]
Taylors'. Wood, F. 0. i. 508, 509, and 8 [See Statutes of St. John's College,
Walker's Sufferings, p. 118.) cap. 32.]
Among the 'MSS. of the late Dr.
LETTERS. 47
A. D. 1633.
LETTER CCXXXIX.
TO EICHAED STERNE *.
[In the possession of Rev. J. H. Crowder.]
Salutem in Christo.
You shall understand that you are appointed to preach at
St. Paul's Cross on Sunday, the seventeenth day of November
next ensuing, by discreet performance whereof you shall do
good service to God, the King's Majesty, and the Church.
These are therefore to require and charge you, not to fail of
your day appointed, and to send notice of your acceptance
thereof in writing to my chaplain, Mr. Brayu, at London House,
to bring a copy of your sermon with you, and not to exceed
an hour and a half in both sermon and prayer. So also to
certify your presence some time on the Thursday before your
day appointed unto John Flemming, draper, in Watling Street,
at whose house your entertainment is provided x. And hereof
fail not, as you will answer the contrary at your peril.
Your loving Friend,
GUIL. LONDON.
London House, Aug. 23, 1633.
To his loving friend Mr Richard
Sterne, Bachelr in Divinity and
ffellow of Bennet Colledge in
Cambridge, these.
* [See vol. iv. p. 423.] made for his lodging and diet for two
u [See vol. iv. p. 85.] days before, and one day after his
* [The reader may call to mind sermon.' Dr. Wordsworth, in his note
the passage in Walton's Life of on this, gives an interesting illustra-
Hooker, in which he speaks of the tion from a sermon preached at St.
'Shunammite's house; which is a house Paul's Cross by Sam. Collins. (See
so called, for that besides the stipend Wordsworth's Ecc. Biogr. vol. ii. p.
paid the preacher, there is provision 463.)]
48
LETTERS.
A. I). 1633.
LETTER CCXL.
TO SIR THOMAS ROE ^.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christ o.
SIR,
I RECEIVED your letters by Sir John Worstenham % just as
I was preparing for my journey for Woodstock*, and full
enough of other business in regard of my Translation b.
And now that I am returned, I thought fit to let you know,
that upon occasion of other letters which came before those
of Mr. Duryc, his Majesty hath been acquainted with the
business you writ of, and hath given a very pious and prudent
answer, though it reach not home in all circumstances to
that which is desired. The answer is too large for letters,
and there will be time to communicate it to you, when you
come to London.
I am very glad to hear that you and your Lady d have your
y [Sir Thomas Roe, who had been
previously ambassador in Turkey,
was shortly after this employed in the
same capacity in Germany. Besides
the published portion of his despatches,
a large number of his unpublished
letters is still preserved in the State
Paper Office. (See Mrs. Green's Life
of Queen of Bohemia.) His name is
spelt both Eoe and Howe. The former
mode of spelling is here used, as being
adopted in the Biographia Britan-
iiica, in which his life is given at
length, though both modes of spelling
the name were used by himself.]
z [See vol. iii. p. 216.]
B [Where the Court then was. See
Diary, Aug. 17 and 25, in this year.]
b [This took place Sept. 19. See
Diary at that date.]
• [See vol. vi. p. 410.]
d [Eleanor, daughter of Sir Thomas
Cave, and Eleanor daughter of Nicho
las St. John, Esq. She married first
Sir George Beeston, of Beeston Castle,
Cheshire, and secondly Sir Thomas
Roe. (Nichols's Leicestershire, vol. iv.
p. 372.) In Bridges's Northampton
shire (vol. i. p. 583) is recorded the
following notice of her: —
" Here (Stanford) is also very
elegant furniture for the pulpit,
reading-desk, and communion-table,
of crimson damask with a broad border
of various coloured silk ; a large Bible
and Prayer Book, bound likewise in
damask and embroidered with gold.
The whole was worked by Lady Rowe,
nnd dedicated to the service of this
Church, gratefully to commemorate
her own and Sir Thomas Rowe's pre
servation in a violent storm at sea,
on their return to England from
Turkey, whence they precipitately
fled on account of the Sultan's having
discovered too great a regard for Lady
Rowe, who remarkably excelled both
in the beauties of her person and her
mind. This gift and history are
recorded in a leaf of the Bible, in the
handwriting of that age."
It will be remembered that Laud's
first parochial preferment was the
living of Stanford, to which he was
presented by Sir T. Cave. This
accounts for the playful and familiar
way in which he writes of Lady
Roe, whom he must have known
from her early years.]
LETTEES. 49
health so well in those parts. I pray commend me to her, A. D. 1633.
and I thank you both very heartily for your kind expectation
of me, had I gone or come that way in my journey. But the
truth is, as I went, I thought it very necessary for me to
avoid the dust of the carriages, and so forsook Newark way ;
and in my return upon some business which befell my
brother6, and a son-in-law of his f, I was in a manner forced
to return by Leicester. I thank God I have had my health
reasonable well both in the journey and since ; and so wish
ing you all health and happiness, I leave you to the grace of
God, and rest
Your very loving Friend,
"W. CANT. ELECT.
From Fulham,
Aug. ult. 1633.
To the R*. Worp11. my very worthy
ff'riend, Sr. Thomas Roe, Kl. at his
House at Bullwicke in Northamp.
Shire, these.
LETTER CCXLI.
TO SIR, JOHN LAMBE g.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christo.
SIR,
YOUR letters met me at my return from Woodstock.
Very large they are, but the matter contained in them might
have been shorter, had it pleased you : for if the business of
Leicester11 be remedied, it is well, else your longer conti
nuance the worse. And for your wager all your instances
are nothing, for my first letter was express enough. And I
e [Dr. William Robinson. See vol. Communion Table, about which there
iii. p. 154.] is a letter (No. 852) in the State
f [Probably Dr. Richard Baylie. Papers of the same year from Bp.
See vol. v. p. 144.] Williams to the Mayor of Leicester
e [This letter has no superscription (Sir John Lambe, it will be remem-
remaining, but is endorsed by Sir bered, was Chancellor of Peter-
John Lambe.] borough) ; or does it relate to the
h [Does this refer to some disputes " business " mentioned in the preced-
at Leicester respecting placing the ing letter?]
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP. ™
fi
50 LETTERS.
A.D. 1633. do not mean to be cavilled out of my wager, which I have
clearly won. Neither will I refer it to law, or arbitrement,
and yet I doubt not but I shall find means enough to get
my own.
Concerning the third business, I was so far from thinking
it time enough to speak with you about it the next term, as
that by that time I did, and do still expect that you had, or
will have given, that other party his final answer, for so I
did directly understand you, when we spake last about it.
However, I am glad to hear you have some causes of dislike,
of which you will make me judge.
If my Lord of Peterborough's i business, either of Visita
tion, or other, give him not leave enough to come up to my
Translation, I hope I shall without any great trouble have
number enough without him. For the manner of your
writing I will defer your punishment till you come up, but
that is all the favour you shall find. So I leave you to the
grace of God, and rest
Your very loving Friend,
W. CANT. ELECT.
Fulham House, Sept. 2, 1633.
LETTER CCXLII.
TO SIR THOMAS ROE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
8. in Christo.
WORTHY SIR,
I WRIT to you very lately upon the occasion of Mr. Dury's
letters, and I hope Sir John FinnetJ, according to his promise
made to me, sent my letters safe to you. I have no occasion
of writing at this time, but only to give you thanks for your
kind letters, which I received from you to welcome me into
that troublesome place whither I am going. And I did not
think it fit, for all the business which now lies thick upon
1 [Augustine Lindsell. See vol. iii. J [The Master of the Ceremonies at
p. 152.] Court.]
LETTERS. 51
me, to leave such letters from my friends unanswered ; and A- D-
I hope you assure yourself you shall find me the same man
at Lambeth, which you did at London, and in both places
Your very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT. ELECT.
Fulham, Sept. 12, 1633.
Your Lady hath sent me a cat, which she saith came from
Smyrna. I thank her heartily for it, whence ere it came, but
I hope she doth not mean to scratch her friends with any
tokens she sends.
To the E*. Worp". my very Worthy
ffreind, Sr. Thomas Eoe, K'. at his
House at Bulwicke in Northamp.
shyre, these.
LETTER CCXLIII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I AM very glad to hear that you have such power in taking
off excommunications, and I doubt not but you will make
good use of the two priests whom you have preserved from
that thunderclap k. All the fear is, lest being made friends,
the Archbishop and they join together, and then your interest
prove the less in both. But I hope you have providently
prevented that.
Indeed, my Lord, you observe very right, I gave no answer
to the learned letter of my Lord the Bishop of Cork L, for
which I am very much to blame, considering the gravity and
the learning of it. But to confess the truth to your Lordship
without drollery, there was so much in that letter of your
Lordship's concerning the Earl of Cork, that I never dreamt
of the Bishop, but thought that the physic which you had
given that Lord had made him vomit up all those learned old
k [See vol. vi. pp. 311, 320, 331.] » {See vol. vi. p. 357.]
E2
52 LETTERS.
A.D. 1633. ends of gold and silver. But now that you have informed
me, and that I am out of that error, I give you this clear
answer, — that letter is for all the world like a beggar's coat,
patch upon patch. That is for the style ; but for the matter
of the letter, that is so prudent that you may, if you will,
believe what you list of the author.
My Lord, I am very much bound to you for your good
opinion of me and the course I hold in the Church. I assure
your Lordship you shall always find my pipe (which you
were pleased to say is so tunable) in the same tune ; and
I am the more confident in this upon myself, because having
travelled a great way this last summer m, none of your bag
pipes in the North could alter me or my pipe.
As for Dr. Bramhall, I am very glad he gives you such
contentment, and I hope he will continue in the same way,
and then he cannot but do the Church and you good service.
I hope my Lord of Kilmore will be advised n ; if not, you
will bear me witness, I have done my part. And for the
choice of new bishops (so far as the King shall be pleased to
trust me), I will look upon no man's person but for his worth
sake. And truly, my Lord, it were a great happiness if every
man that is raised to that place might be stored with those
three conditions which you require, — goodness, learning, and
wisdom. But I pray, my Lord, was there ever any age in
the Church, though much happier than this in which we live,
that had all such ? But I will endeavour the best I can, and
the thing that is most likely to be wanting is wisdom.
Your business of St. John's College sticks still °, and the
manner of carriage of it hath done a great deal of hurt to
that University. And I am afraid will do more ; but it no
way concerns me further than the public, and for my judg
ment of the particular persons, you have it already. Cer
tainly it had been happy if the King had pitched upon a third
man two months ago, but now 'tis with the latest. The King
is going upon Monday, December 2, towards Newmarket,
and if he do not end St. John's business before he come back,
it will be stark staring naught.
m [In his attendance on the King Laud's Letter to Bedell, of Oct. 14.
to Scotland.] See vol. vi. p. 324.]
n [ The point alluded to seems to ° [See vol. vi. p. 323.]
be that which formed the subject of
LETTERS. 53
Your Lordship agrees with me that you must not look for A.D. 1633.
all men's affections to be alike to the King's service. I would
to God but half of them that pretend to it were but half
what they pretend. And for the public souls, if you have
none in Ireland, it may be there are not store somewhere
else. But since you are resolute that you are able to do the
King's business there in despite of opposition and private
ends, if you may have countenance and despatch from
England ; God forbid you should want either. I hope you
shall not, though sometimes we talk much of business, and
do little. Well, does your Lordship naturally swim against
the stream, and yet are you of a cold constitution? You
may swear I do not believe it indeed, unless you will say that
your spirits are the warmer by dwelling in the antiperi stasis
of a cold constitution. Cambridge man, mark the learning ;
is not this as good as my Lord of Cork ?
I perceive you go still on in the practice of physic, and
you have hitherto had a very good hand. If this patient
prove well after the vomiting up of four vicarages (which cer
tainly, whatever he thought, lay heavier upon his conscience
than any surfeit upon his stomach could do), you shall by my
consent proceed Dr. in that faculty ; and because I mean to
have some honour by you, you shall proceed out of St. John's
in Oxford, another manner of College than your Cambridge
pair of panniers. For your Divinity you are very right, it
was John of Constantinople that would have been universal
Bishop ; but I never heard till now that he made choice of
an Irishman to be his Vicar- General.
Your next business is serious indeed; but you are, for
aught I know, upon an excellent way in it. For, first, I
know no reason why any man should be suffered under
almost any pretence to carry bullion out of the kingdom,
but, least of all, why any should be carried out to train up
youth against the King, the State, and the Church P. And
therefore I think your Lordship shall do a very good deed
to the public, and very honourable to yourself, to call the
guilty parties before authority, and give them another vomit :
it may be the money will come up as well as the vicarages ;
and in the better hands it is, the better the work.
P [This refers to money sent abroad See below, p. 58, and Strafforde
to maintain youth in Jesuit seminaries. Letters, vol. i. pp. 172, 189.]
54 LETTERS.
A. D. 1633. I know no reason why you should not do it thoroughly.
And if you get it, it cannot be put to a better use than your
Lordship thinks on, which is, to buy in impropriations.
For your next passage, I am very sorry that my reverend
brethren should so irreverently use the money about com
mutations, and other charitable uses. And I wish with all
my heart, that some good course were taken to make them
vomit too, that such a public scandal might be taken out of
the way.
And if your Lordship think a Commission be necessary or
fit, I pray weigh it well, and so will I, and then we will judge
of it after it is come out of the balance, and do accordingly.
My Lord, I send you herewith a letter to the Dean of
Cashell <*, who I think is a very honest man, and well set for
the King's service. And I make bold to trouble your Lord
ship with the letters, both to give your Lordship hearty
thanks for your care of him, and because it will be an addi
tion to his credit and his comfort that you are pleased to
send him these letters from me.
As for the Archbishop of Cashell r, you cannot have a
better opinion of him than I have, and I am sure the King
hath as good as either of us.
You do well to give me good hopes of my new Canterbury
wife, but I will assure you, for aught I find yet, she is a very
shrew, whatever you think of her : and which is worse, hath
been in some things ill dealt withal, so that (as it often falls
out with them that marry widows) her worldly estate is
nothing near so good as was commonly voiced before I mar
ried her. But howsoever His now for better for worse, and
I must be contented. As for your lay-wives, you complain
of ease, for whensoever you are disposed to speak truth, you
can then brag of your contentments, though at other times
the best of them are troublesome, and I know not what.
Concerning your cause in Star Chamber, I know it is in
itself most just and fit to come to trial ; and I assure myself
your Lordship will produce nothing but what you are able to
prove, and that's enough, I think. All the days of term
being otherwise taken up, his Majesty commanded a day out
i [William Chappell.] T [Archibald Hamilton.]
LETTERS. 55
of term for you. So your cause was heard, and Sir Da. A, D. 1633.
Fowlis and his son sentenced upon St. Andrew's day, and
very deeply s. But the particulars I refer to the relation of
them who have more leisure, and will I am sure certify you
how the votes went, and to what the sentence reacheth.
So I leave you to the grace of God, and rest
Your Lordship's
Very loving poor Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Dec. 2nd, 1633.
Becd. 22nd.
LETTER CCXLIV.
TO THE DEAN AND CHAPTER OF CANTERBURY.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christo.
AFTER my hearty commendations, &c. I have received
a letter from Sir Hen. Martyn *, which I here send unto you,
because you will best understand his grievance by himself in
his own words. It seems he takes exception against some
thing done by you in the vacancy of the See of Canterbury,
to which I can give him no answer, but must of necessity
refer him to you, and what answer you shall be pleased to
give me I will return to him.
Upon occasion of this business, you will give me leave to
acquaint you, that some complaint hath likewise been made
to me about some greater fees than ordinary demanded and
received for confirmation of the patent of the Dean of the
Arches, and of a lease which I lately let. For the lease, had
I thought any confirmation necessary, I would have written
about it, but truly I do not ; yet if the tenant will needs go
that way, I know no reason why any stress should be put
upon him. As for the patent, so long as I keep it in the
ancient form, as it hath formerly gone, I take it you can put
no fees upon it, but that which is ordinary for your seal, and
8 [See vol. vi. p. 352.] was afterwards removed. See vol. iv.
4 [Then Dean of the Arches. He p. 226.]
56 LETTERS.
A. P. 1633. I hope I shall have in all such businesses as fair usage from
you, as I shall be willing to show unto you.
One thing more, you must pardon me, if I be free to
acquaint you with, at least in part. It concerns my Visita
tion, which I think fit should begin at my own Seat and
Diocese, the law providing that I should see all well at home,
before I be too curious abroad. I hope all reports be not
true ; but if some be, then I hear that some of that body
have been a little too bold with me, but I shall examine it
further, before I give credit unto it. If upon inquiry I do
find it true, I shall not forget that nine of the twelve Prebends
are in the King's gift, and order the commission of my
Visitation, or alter it accordingly. For I cannot take it well
to be ill used, and undeservedly, especially at such a time as
I was endeavouring your good. The report I mention came
to me very probably within these few hours, and I should
not so soon have imparted it to you, if this letter of Sir Hen.
Martyn's had not come to me almost on the instant, which
made me think fit to join both together. Thus hoping, &c.u
The letter in Secretary's hand, and endorsed,
'Decemb. 19, 1633.
'The copy of my Lrs. to ye D. & Chapt.
of Cant.'
LETTER CCXLV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
Sal. in Christo.
My VERY GOOD LORD,
I THANK you for Dr. Williams T. I doubt not but he will
give your Lordship every way great contentment. He hath
given me thanks, as if he found himself better in your Lord
ship's acceptation, because he came recommended from me,
and I assure myself he will make all good that I have said in
his behalf.
Well, my Lord, whatsoever he prove in the corporal way,
• [The Dean and Chapter's replies spondence, Jan. 7, 1634.]
to this are found in Domestic Corre- * [Wentworth's physician.]
LETTERS. 57
1 am sure for the Church you are an excellent physician. A. D. 1633.
And I see you have happened upon the right way of purging
of those men which were so greedy, that they swallowed down
the Church-means whole without chewing. God hath put
a great opportunity into your Lordship's hands, both to do
Him service and yourself honour, and you do passing well to
lay hold of it.
The Church in that kingdom will be bound to pray for
your person, and to honour your memory. And I assure
your Lordship they do begin, as they have cause, to relish
your proceedings with great contentment. I lately received
a letter from my Lord Primate of Armagh, in which he gives
you as great and as honourable a testimony as is possible w, and
therefore you must forget a passage which I writ in my last
letters x, namely, that I was a little doubtful of him, because
I had not heard from him since my return out of Scotland.
But his letters have now satisfied me, for by them I find that
he was absent in the North of Ireland.
Well, now, my Lord, to the particulars y.
And, first, I could not but smile to myself to see how
handsomely you carried Mr. Beresford's business, especially
the term you put upon him when he yielded to a private
hearing, and should not. And it is a great happiness that
so many livings are in view already. I hope since you are so
regular in these things, you will not forget your grammar
rule, but that if upon examination you find them to belong
to one thing, you will put them all in one case.
Concerning the Bishop of Killala z, I am heartily glad to
read what course you have taken : I mean with them which
now possess the lands, and which came in by mean convey
ance and so are no way acquainted with the fraud.
I profess to your Lordship, this was (as you call it) a stone
of offence indeed. And as I read it, I was in a bodily fear
how you would be able to leap over it ; but I see you have,
w [This is Letter clxxii. in Parr's See Strafforde Letters, vol. i. pp.
Collection. The date of that and of 171—174.]
the following letter are given inaccu- z [This should probably be " Kil-
rately by Parr.] laloe;" as "Old Jones of Killala" is
x [See vol. vi. p. 332.] spoken of below, p. 68, in reference to
y [This is a reply to "VVentworth's the same subject. But Lewis Jones
letter of Dec. 1633, by reference to was Bishop of Killaloe, not of Killala.
which many allusions are explained. See vol. vi. p. 261 ]
58 LETTERS.
A.D. 1633. and very cleanly. And because you shall not rest upon m^
judgment of it only, I have read over all that passage of your
Lordship's letter to his Majesty, who was marvellously pleased
with it, and commanded me to give you thanks, and bid you
go on cheerfully. But I pray, by the way, send me word
what is the Bishop of Killala's name. His carriage towards
Sir Daniel O'Brien was very poor. And you did very nobly
to harrow him as you did, that would so forsake the Church's
cause and his own, in a time when he saw help so ready
for him.
I read likewise to his Majesty your passage concerning the
Bishop of Limerick, where you have excellently stretched the
donor's meaning into a right sense a. The King laughed at
it heartily, and said it was as good as might be.
And whereas you are pleased here to crave my opinion con
cerning the thousand pounds given to maintain lectures in the
Jesuits' school, &c., I gave you an answer in my last letters b
(which it seems were not come to your hands when you sent
these), which was that you play booty, unless you seize the
money and turn it to buy in impropriations, or some other good
use. But I pray you, hereafter mention nothing that you
have written in your former letters till you have received my
answer, for it is but double pains. And for a Commission to
examine how moneys received for pious uses have been
bestowed in that kingdom, I for my part think it very fit
there should be one. So you be careful, as I doubt not but
you will, into whose hands it be put.
I am heartily glad that you are in so good a way to relieve
the Bishop of Clonfert c ; for not long before your Lordship's
going to that kingdom, he writ a letter to me, in which he
did much bemoan himself and the state of his poor bishopric.
And as far as I remember, my answer to him was, that he
should now have patience a little longer, and expect your
Lordship's coming, who, I doubt not, would do him justice.
And so I thank your Lordship heartily for him.
The Archbishop of Cashells will be very much bound to
you. But when you have done him and that bishopric that
service, I pray you bind him sure, that he let not for above
» [The case here alluded to is stated b [See above, p. 53.]
at length in vol. vi. p. 308, note «.] c [Robert Dawson.]
LETTERS. 59
one and twenty years, for my confidence in that man is not A. D. 1633.
infinite.
The Bishop of Downe d (I pray you let me have his name,
too), it seems, would throw down all ; and it is strange that
no member of the Church would give your Lordship infor
mation. That the Earl of Antrim e should get the advowsons
of the benefices, if he could, is no wonder to me, for being
a recusant (as his son also is here f ) they might make great
use of them. But that the Bishop should pass them all away,
and to a recusant, that is a wonder. Good my Lord, do not
trust the Bishop too far, but see that he perform his promise,
both for the one lease and the other.
My Lord Primate acknowledgeth all that you have done
to him, with a great deal of honour to you and thanks.
I have now given you my opinion of all these Church
particulars, as for the most of them you desired I should.
And now for the general, — I give your Lordship very hearty
thanks, et nomine Ecclesiae Christi, that you are settling so
roundly for the repairs of the churches, and the restitution
and addition of means for Churchmen to live, that there may
be places to receive the people, and persons to instruct them.
This certainly is the way, or there is none, to put that
kingdom into a better course both for religion and obedience.
And the wray to maintain both, when they are so settled, is,
that the King's payments may be certain, both for the army
and all other necessaries. And if any zealot be of a contrary
opinion to this, I dare be bold to say his zeal is not according
to knowledge, either in his profession or out.
And now, my Lord, by the way give me leave to thank
you for the mercy you have showed to the poor old Bishop
of Kilfanora e, with which Mr. Secretary hath acquainted me.
And, in the next place, to tell you that I have lately received
a very large and fair letter from my Lord the Bishop of
Kilmore. Therein he tells me that he has written a large
letter to your Lordship b, a copy whereof he hath sent me.
He hopes by that he hath given your Lordship and myself
d [Robert Echlin.] letters.]
e [Randal Macdonald.] g [James Heygate ]
f [He married the Duchess of h [See Bp. Bedell's letter in Straf-
Buckingham, and is frequently spoken forde Letters, vol. i. pp. 146 150,
of in connexion with her in these 164.]
60 LETTERS.
A. D. 1633. abundant satisfaction. And truly, my Lord, for myself, who
know nothing of those parts but by relation, I cannot charge
him with much, if all be true which he writes.
And I do heartily pray your Lordship, if this can give
you satisfaction, to use that Bishop very kindly, for either I
understand nothing, or else, setting my Lord Primate aside,
he is more worth than half the bishops there.
Your Lordship says, I shall have no more ( ifs/ but positive
doctrine, which I am very glad of, and you shall have as positive
from me as I can write. But let me tell you, the common
lawyers are another manner of body here for strength and
friends than they are with you. As for the panic fears you
speak of, I for my part hold them to be such indeed, but
perhaps all men do not so.
And now that there may be three hands in one letter, I
come for some particulars to my own. Your Lordship
writes, that the debts of the Crown taken off, we may govern
as we please. I grant that, so our pleasure be grounded
upon any reason. You add, that you are most resolute that
work may be done without borrowing any help out of the
King's lodgings. Non sum (Edipus. What's your meaning ?
Is it that there is enough in the King's lodgings to do it,
without borrowing any other help ? Or is it that there is
enough without diminishing anything in the King's lodgings?
Or what else is it ? You are bound to express this to me.
The King likes all your considerations concerning Mr.
Porter's and Mr. Murray's business. Mr. Murray tells me
he thinks they are all in the letter already. If they be not,
they will send the letter to me to put them in. I am not
acquainted with forms, but if I do mistake, you may help it,
for all parties are content.
I have received your cipher, but God in heaven knows
what I shall make of it. If you write much in it, it is impos
sible I should find leisure to sit and decipher it. If you
write only five or six lines, which you would keep secret, it
may be I may make a shift to read so much ; though I am
such a stranger to that course, that I cannot tell whether
I can or no. But if I find I cannot, I'll tell you so.
I will expect what you have to say of the Canonical concu
piscence the next term.
LETTERS. 61
You satisfy me abundantly for the stables, by building A.D. 1633.
another, and restoring the old to the old and better use.
But among all the Bishops in your long letter, I find not
Bishop Michael Boyle, of Waterford, nor any word of his debt
to St. John's College, which is another of my Memorandums
delivered unto you, and a special one1. I delivered his bonds
in case he should deny it.
I thank you heartily for the copy of your orders for Christ
Church in Dublin. I hope you will propagate them into
other cathedrals of the kingdom.
It is true the leasing of the rectories to the present
Incumbents, reserving the usual rent only to his Majesty (as
you tell me you have done there), is in some sort that which
I did so earnestly entreat of you to be done, but it is not all.
For, first, when this term now granted to them comes out,
another Deputy may let them to another man.
Secondly, my desire is for all the King's impropriations
and to make them certain, and past power of alienation,
while we have a gracious King that is willing to it.
Thirdly, the King's rent being reserved and secured, the
Crown can lose nothing. And for the pretensions of great
gain to be raised upon them, it can never be done without
spoil to the Church and dishonour.
Lastly, if they be not settled, the time will come when they
will be begged away by half dozens and half scores at a time,
till all be gone, and the Church remediless. And it is no
infinite service to a Crown to pretend a great profit to it by
ways which are afterwards deserted; and so nothing done for
the Crown, and all opportunity lost for the Church.
If any bishops have aliened since and contrary to the Act
of State to prevent fraudulent sales, my judgment concurs
with yours : — one example would do infinite good, and I
cannot desire you should spare them. Oh ! that great
deservers here might meet with such resolution.
I have not heard from my Lord Bishop of Durham k since
I writ to you ; but the passage of your letter which concerns
him I read to the King, who took very good satisfaction from
it, and did from the beginning dislike the carriage of the
1 [See vol. vi. p. 308.] stance alluded to was mentioned in
k [Thomas Morton. The circum- an earlier letter. See vol. vi. p. 334.]
62 LETTERS.
A.D. 1633. Bishop. For my own part (and you know it) I did ever think
somewhat was wanting there. My Lord, I am very weary.
And did you know what I do and suffer, you would think I
must needs be so.
In the midst of which weariness I take my leave, being
this day to attend the Committee about your St. John's
business, of which I am weary already. And therefore may
rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Jan^. 13th, 1633.
Eecd. Feb. 15.
LETTER CCXLVI.
TO GODFREY GOODMAN, BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER.
[Domestic Correspondence, S, P. 0.]
S. in Christo.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR LORDSHIP,
I HAVE received two letters from you, both tending to
the same thing, though differing in some particulars. I have
acquainted his Majesty with the contents of both of them,
and the answer which he gave is to this effect : that yourself
was the only cause that you had not Hereford l ; that you
must not look he can be well pleased with your carriage in
that business ; that your way to regain him is not to talk
thus unadvisedly of a coadjutor, but to do the duty of your
place. To this end his Majesty hath commanded me to
signify his express pleasure to you, which is, that notwith
standing your leave taken there, you do repair to Gloucester,
and settle yourself to live there, and look to your diocese, of
which I will look for an account, according to his royal
instructions. And surely, my Lord, I cannot give you any
other counsel, than' to obey these his Majesty's instructions,
1 [Goodman wished, together with Laud's knowledge, who informed the
Hereford, to hold Gloucester in com- king. (See Heylin, Cypr. Angl. p.
mendam for a year. He had also 248. ) There may be an allusion here
obtained his nomination to Hereford to both these circumstances.]
by bribery, which fact had come to
LETTERS. 63
lest you would move him to further displeasure. I would A. D. 1633.
not that you should trouble your thoughts with me, for,
thank God, I*have no particular spleen. I do but the duty
of my place,*and if you shall set yourself to do yours, I shall
be as ready as yourself can wish, to do that which is fit to
be asked at my hands. Thus not doubting but you will apply
yourself to give his Majesty satisfaction, I leave you to the
grace of God, and rest
Your Lordship's loving Friend and Brother.
Endorsed :
'Febr. 6, 1633.
' A Copye of my Lrs to my Ld. Bp. of
Glocest*. about a Coadjutor, &c.'
LETTER CCXLYII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
S. in.Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
His Majesty, God be thanked, is very well returned
from Newmarket. And the first opportunity I can get I will
acquaint him both with your Lordship's letters, and your
more private instructions, and give you such answer as I
receive. I told you in my last that the King had named
a small Committee to consider of the great despatches which
you sent. If he refer the Church business to them also,
I am afraid I shall meet with delay, and some other
hindrances ; but if he leave it to myself, and refer nothing
to them, but where there is a knot indeed, I shall be of so
much quicker despatch. And howsoever, according to such
despatch as I can have or make, your Lordship shall receive
my answer.
About the time which I writ last unto you, I received by
the hands of the Lord of Dungarvon"1 three letters concerning
the Earl of Corkers tomb ; and all to make good, that if a fair
m [Richard Boyle, the Earl of Cork's eldest son.]
64 LETTERS.
A. D. 1633. shrine be built before it (as is intended) there will be little or
no room taken from the quire, and the monument be left
standing as a great ornament to the church n. And though
your Lordship was of opinion in your last that my Lord
Primate would write no more to me about it, yet one of these
letters was from him, and more full in the defence of it than
his former. The other two were, one from my Lord Arch
bishop of Dublin, and the other from the Earl himself.
To these three I have given such answer as I can. And to
the end that you may see clearly and fully what my answer is,
I have here sent you inclosed the copy of my answer to all the
three letters. But I must tell you I am put to a pretty hard
task to answer the letters of two Archbishops who are both
upon the place, and so eye-witnesses of what they write, myself
having never been upon the place. Besides, I acquainted your
Lordship in my last letters how tenderly that business is taken
here, and by whom. And therefore, though I have written my
judgment clearly to these letters, yet I leave your Lordship
prudently to do (as I know you will) what seems good in your
own judgment.
As I was writing these letters, J received one from the Lord
Bishop of Clogher0, in which he makes a great complaint of
certain false suggestions put up against him to your Lordship.
And particularly for a wrongful charge of Simoniacal dis
posing of a benefice to a chaplain of my Lord of Valentia's P.
My Lord, this gentleman is brother to my Lord Archbishop
of St. Andrew's, and hath been very maliciously dealt withal
in those parts. They once put him upon a trial for his life,
which, God be thanked, proved a work of malice only ; and
I hope this will prove so too, that is now against him. For
I should be very glad some Bishops there should be able to
defend themselves and clear their reputation.
And thus much right I must do my Lord of Clogher, as
to testify to your Lordship, that amidst all the sour usage
which he hath plentifully had in those parts, yet till now
I never heard him accused of Simony.
Howsoever, the merits of the cause I must leave to your
n [On the subject of this tomb, see minster Abbey.]
vol. vi. pp. 358, seq.] P [Sir Henry Power. The title, after
0 [James Spottiswoode. He died his death in 1642, devolved on Lord
in 1642, and was buried in West- Mountnorris.]
LETTERS, 65
Lordship and himself too, in full assurance that he shall A, D. 1634,
receive all justice from you, of which I heartily pray your
Lordship to take special care, both for his coat's sake, and
for that I find by his letters he is a little jealous of the pro
ceedings of Sir George Radcliffe and Dr. Bramhall, to whom
your Lordship hath referred the hearing of it, which for my
part, I must confess to you, is that which I like worse than
his cause. For I am very well persuaded of Sir George
Radcliffe's honesty, and of Dr. Bramhall's justice to his own
coat ; and that neither of them will be an instrument of any
man's malice to overthrow the credit of a bishop. And if
they should be so minded, I know your nobleness will not
endure it. So I commend these businesses to you, and
yourself to the grace of God, ever resting
Your Lordship's very loving Friend and Servant,
W. CANT,
Eec. 18 April, 1634,
I pray, my Lord, let the Archbishop of Tuam^ be spoken
withal, that he may be willing to part with his commendam
which he holds of the Deanery of Christ Church, for those
livings which have been tendered unto him, and then I will
be ready to do my best for Dr. Bramhall, according to your
desires. But I should be very loth the old gentleman should
be discontented.
LETTER CCXLVIII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
BEFORE the King's return from Newmarket, I gave your
Lordship answer to as many things as I might speak to alone,
and those now I shall not speak [to], but go on to the next.
His Majesty is marvellously pleased with your just and
noble proceedings in Church affairs, and thinks himself (as
indeed he is) much honoured by it, and hath commanded
* [Randolph Barlow. See vol. vi. p. 258.]
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP. w
66 LETTERS.
A. D. 1 634-. me to signify that he will see you want no assistance in
those ways.
I am sure your Lordship understands the King hath made
a new Irish Committee to consider of all the great proposals
sent over by you. There are none of it but the Lord Trea
surer r, the Lord Marshal *, the Lord Cottington, the two
Secretaries *, and myself. But I am not to trouble that
Commission with any Church affairs, but only such as either
his Majesty or myself shall doubt of, if any such occur. And
by this means I shall be able to make you the quicker
despatch at all times of these my businesses, when they are to
attend no man's leisure but my own.
And first, for those of the clergy whose wives and children
are recusants, his Majesty likes very well that your Lordship
make an inquiry, and that a list be taken of all their names
that can be known. But for depriving them, he holds that
to be very hard, unless it appear that their own carelessness,
or other fault easy by themselves to be prevented, have
concurred in and to the scandal which hence arises.
And in special, he would have notice taken if any clergy
man of note have either wife or children recusants. But the
names of all I pray your Lordship I may have. Any other
punishment beside deprivation his Majesty is willing should
be laid upon them, so it be according to his laws.
His Majesty likes well of the remedy you propose against
their unseemly marriages after supper and in private houses,
and requires your Lordship to prepare a draft there, such as
may best fit the constitutions and customs of the country, for
the reception and establishment both of the Canons and
the Articles of the Church of England u. But neither his
Majesty nor the Lords do think fit that this should be put
to the Parliament to confirm, lest it make a noise to the dis
turbance of other business. And your Lordship knows well
that with us the Canons have no other confirmation than the
Broad Seal.
And I, for my part, think that a Declaration of his
Majesty's (such as King James set forth before the Canons),
* [Richard Weston, Earl of Port- u [This was effected in the Convoca-
land.] tion which was held in the course of
1 [Thomas Howard, Earl of Arimdel.] this year.]
* [Coke and Windebank.]
LETTERS. 67
mutatis mutandis, and fitted for Ireland, and printed before A. D. 1634.
the Canons, will be abundantly sufficient. If your Lordship
like this, upon signification of your pleasure, I will do what
soever is fit.
The King and the Lords here think it very fit there be
a High Commission established at Dublin. They likewise
approve that it be not set on foot till your Lordship sees what
will become of the Parliament. Against that time, I pray
send me over the names of such as you would wish should be
Commissioners. With us, all the Council are, and all the
Judges, and all the Bishops, with some other selected. But
whether you will think fit to have so many I leave to you ;
that which I fear, if there be, is the making of parties.
And I hope your Lordship will be content we shall leave
power to the Commission here to call over such causes as
may appear too strong for that court, or in any great respect
be fit to be heard here.
This much in account of your Lordship's letters to me
about the affairs of that Church.
Now, to your private instructions concerning some great
sacrileges in that kingdom. And truly, my Lord, I took a
time to show them all, and read the most to his Majesty.
He is very well edified in the business, I assure you ; and
commanded me to let you know, that if you do your part, he
will stick close to his, both for Lismore and YoughaK
Therefore, on, thorough; and God's blessing be with you.
And to enable you to this service, I here send you
enclosed a Commission under his Majesty's signet, with all
the clauses and powers, and to the persons you name ; and
assure you it is not yet, nor shall be, put into the signet-
book, till you send word it is fit to be public. And if it may
add anything to your knowledge, I here send you enclosed
the state of the Bishopric of Lismore and the College of
Youghal, as it was presented to me, when I had no hopes in
the world to do any good for it. And if your Lordship does
it not, depono spem. But for the laying of the business open
before or after a Parliament, that his Majesty leaves to your
wisdom, who can best guide occasions upon their proper place.
But whatever you do, take heed that the causes suffer no
v [See vol. vi. pp. 332, 333.]
F 2
68 LETTERS.
A. D. 1034. hurt, much less be concluded by any parliament pardon or
settlement of defective titles.
While I was writing these letters, in came your brother
with two more, and a copy of yours to my Lord Clifford w, for
which I thank you, and will make use of it to your service,
if I find any cause. I was put to preach on Palm Sunday x,
and have taken an extreme cold with often passing the water,
which makes me very faint. But so far as I can go on,
I will give you answer, and leave the rest to better health
and leisure.
I am sorry old Jones of Killala? is so faulty. But I, for
my part, like it passing well, if present profit be got out
of Brian, that may go to build a house against a better
Bishop come to fill it.
And if I hear of Stretch his complaint here2, 1 will acquaint
the King with your proceedings, and do your Lordship
all other right I can. As for the Bishop of Downa, if the
advowsori comes back from the Earl, and the Bishop's house
from his son, he will be well again that hath done very ill.
"Pis most true, I should have been heartily vexed had your
large letter come all in cipher ; and I believe you would have
laughed heartily to think how you had puzzled me. But
you would have vexed yourself more, for certainly I should
never have had time, or skill, or patience for it. And then
all your labour had been lost, and all your business undone.
And then, though I should have been very sorry for the mis
carriage of the business, yet I should have laughed at you
for such a hazardous offer to pose my ignorance. And I do
mean to let the few lines now in cipher lie still, till I am
at better ease and more leisure.
I verily think you are right in all the character that you
give of my Lord of Durham, and of that business; yet with
this addition to that truth, — that I think the Bishop is as
froward in such business as any of them that would set him
on. And that the Clerk of the Peace and the Judge's
Marshal were not more displeased with their loss by it than
w [Wentworth's brother-in-law.] y [This should be ' Killaloe.' See
x [The circumstance is noted in his above, p. 57.]
Diary (March 30), but the Sermon z [See vol. vi. p. 308.]
has not been preserved.] a [See above, p. 59.]
LETTERS. 69
some of their masters with their loss of glory and applause A. D. 1634;.
among the factious multitude. By the way (for I am not
yet in case for the cipher), I am sure your Latin, Thomas in
secunda secundis, is stark naught. I believe you brought
it in a pair of panniers from Cambridge.
Dermot O'Dingle hath a mighty swallow ; three vicarages
at once, and not a steeple stick by the way. But I hope if
you physic him, you will be at least counsel for the Bishop of
Ardfartb. I am sure he stinks above aground.
I protest I am almost ashamed of my calling, I hear and
see my brethren are so bad. God of his infinite mercy for
give me my other sins, and preserve me from these. But
I take it, though there be Bishops', patrons', and incumbents'
conscience, if there be not the King's too, it may be loose
enough. And it will be infinite ease to your Lordship, and
to me too, if you send me but now and then a memorable
passage when your letter would be lank without it, and then
make me amends with a yearly kalendar what livings you
have that year recovered to the Church.
I hope your Lordship hath received my last letters, and in
them the copy of my several answers to my Lord Primate,
Lord Archbishop of Dublin, and the Earl, about the Tomb.
In the most material passages, you and I agree, the rest
I shall not dilate upon ; yet some particulars in that letter
must have an answer.
And first, for the Tomb itself, I cannot smother my judg
ment. I am where I was ; and though I think a strong
answer enough, yet should it have been somewhat more full,
had it not been for the cunning of the foreign argument.
Especially since I was resolved, to take off all further jealousy
from you, to show the letter which I writ to the Archbishop
of Dublin, to my Lord Treasurer, and I did it.
His Lordship excepted at nothing in that letter, only when
I had read it, he honourably expressed, that since some so
near him in blood were buried there, it might stand since it
was now up; and that two Archbishops upon the place thought
well of it. To that I answered, I, that never saw it, could
b [William Steere. Laud here writes and intended to be seen by Wentworth
a very strong expression respecting only, is here omitted.]
him, which as reflecting on a Bishop,
70 LETTERS.
A.D.1C34. not be judge, but would leave it to your Lordship and them
that were upon the place. Now, I had discharged myself.
For the matter itself, the consequences will be extreme
naught if the Tomb stand, so you write and so it is. And
over and above the rest, few will dare to show themselves
in the other great business, if they see his money, cunning,
or friends can carry him out, where he hath thrust God
out of his most proper place on earth, next to the hearts of
th»t his servants. Therefore I have laid by all respects of you
the ' or myself, and moved the King for a letter to issue out
LdTreasurer a Commission to inquire, &c. And the Primate and the
h 10f ' Archbishop of Dublin are two. And if the letter can be made
56, 40, 2, ready, you shall receive it enclosed, if not, then by the next.
73, 55, 4, I went about it so soon as ever I had read your letters, and
56, 44, 41, the King granted it instantly.
29, 69, 34, I have made a shift with the three passages which you write
°f, the Bp. of Cork
t h i in cipner- I11 *ne nrsfc I nud you confident that 152 and
74, 55, 47, Bp. of Waterfprd the E. of Cork Bp. of Waterford
72 7\ 8&3, 153 will join in complaints against 132. I know 153 so well,
75 4 48 ^a^ •"• canno^ believe it till I see it. The second I can easily
i i c believe, that the E. of Cork hath run through all these
r' o' a' you mention and more, like a very brute. For the third,
69, 50, 71. " your Lordship the King
43, 74 c. whereas 130 is confident that 100 hath the Earl of Cork at
Laud
all advantage even in this, yet 102 are too many for me to
trust in such a business, therefore I have thought good to
abate 2 of that number which are suspected to be blabs, but
the King
all the rest, even the whole 100, I have imparted it to. And
wot you what ? The King laughed heartily at the comment
which Dr. Leshly made upon that tomb in Esay, though on
the bye at a funeral sermon d.
I likewise acquainted the King with the exposition of your
riddle, that there might be enough raised out of his own, &c.
He said little to it. And I cannot tell what to say, only this.
c [Several necessary corrections have funeral sermon at St. Patrick's, ' fell
been made in this passage. That it was upon the denunciation of the Prophet
incorrectly written by Laud, see p. 76.] Isaiah against Shebna the Treasurer '
d [It appears from Wentworth's (un- (Is. xxii. 16), and that the Earl of Cork,
published) letter, to which this is a who was present, 'took it in horrible
replj, that about two years previously, dudgeon,' being, it will be remembered,
Henry Leslie, the Dean of Down, in a Lord High Treasurer of Ireland.]
LETTERS. 71
If there be a case in which non esse and fton apparere be all A. D. 1634.
one ; then, in a case of revenue, 'tis not unlike ' not to be,'
and f not to be improved/
Concerning Mr. Mainwaring, your Lordship doth very
well to carry it as you do, and to be as ready to go out of
your opinion as to hold it. For I see some clouds here hang
over that business. And whether they will fall or blow over
1 am not wise enough to foresee.
This I promise you, if I see any cause, I will not spare to
acquaint the King with what you desire in that business.
But it may be you will have present answer, for I know my
Lord Cottington hath spoken with the King about it.
And I make 110 doubt but he will acquaint your Lordship
with it. If you send me word what answer you have, I shall
the better see whether it be fit for me to say anything to the
King or no.
I pray your Lordship have some care of young Croxton e.
I hear he is in the College. But what my Lord Mountnorris f
doth for him I know not. He is from his friends, and was
persuaded thither by me. And therefore I should be glad
he might prosper.
My Lord, I am very weary, not only of writing letters, but
almost of everything else, yet tire, God willing, I will not,
only ease myself, and rest
Your Lordship's faithful Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, April 12th, 1634.
LETTER CCXL1X.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENT WORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.] ^
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
SINCE I delivered my packet into your brother's hands »,
I find he will be forced to stay two days more at the least ;
c [See vol. iv. p. 288.] « [Sir George Wentworth.]
1 [See vol. vi. p. 302.]
72 LETTERS.
A. D. 1034. I pity liis patience therewhile, but the business more. The
use I make of his stay is to discharge myself of all that your
Lordship trusted me with by him.
Two things there are behind, and no more. The one is,
the draft of a Commission and Instructions to be sent to all
the several Bishops to proceed upon in their dioceses respec
tively within that kingdom.
My Lord, this copy of the Commission I read to the King,
and by his Majesty's appointment to the Lords' Committees.
They all approve it. I craved leave, because it touched upon
ecclesiastical officers, as well as government itself, to show it
to some of our best civil lawyers, and see what exception
they could take to it ; or what further direction they could
add to it.
This I have done, and do hereby send you back your own
copy of the Commission with their several advertisements,
which they as well as myself submit to your judgment. And
when you send it back altered or unaltered (so it be as you
would have it), I will get the King's hand to it and return it
with speed.
The other thing is that I have put some life again into
the Commission about the Earl of Cork's tomb. I hope
Secretary Windebank will get letters for commissioners
named, of which the Primate and Archbishop of Dublin
the Lord Treasurer
must be two. But I find that 105 is very angry h. Who can
help this ? But is it not a pitiful case that a gracious Prince
should have [scarce] enough against the great difficulties of
these times, and be left poor whilst so many enrich themselves ?
If these letters mentioned come not, I hope you will now say
the fault is not mine. God bless you in your government.
So I leave you to the grace of God, and rest
Your Lordship's loving poor Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, April 15, 1634.
Eecd. 21st of the same.
11 [The reason of Lord Portland's anger is explained in vol. vi. p. 359,
note x.]
LETTERS. 73
A.D. 1634.
LETTER CCL.
TO SIR THOMAS ROE.
[Swedish Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christo.
WORTHY SIR,
I WAS very willing to let you see I took Mr. Dury's
person, and the pains he hath been at in so good a cause,
into as good and speedy consideration as I could. That it
succeeded not was no fault of mine, nor did I suffer him to
bear the charge of a fruitless journey. And whensoever it
shall please God to put the little opportunity into my hands,
I shall be as ready to do him good as now I was, and the
rather for the respects you bare him.
Concerning his return to the Diet at Frankford *, my letters
have lain by me long since, one to such Lutherans, and the
other to such Calvinists, as at Mr. Dury's former return into
England did write unto me. In these letters I have expressed
myself so far as yet it can be any ways fit, and Mr. Dury
hath free leave to go to the Diet, now to be held in May, if
he please. His success there I wish may be happy, and I am
clearly of your judgment, that if he can do no good there,
there will be little or none done at their private houses ;
where, as themselves are more absolute, so the care of the
public will be less : and for my part, if a public act could be
gained at this meeting for a reconciliation in general terms,
and that act made binding, I should think there were some
footing for further proceedings to rest on first, and then to
get ground : but till then I cannot see much hope in the
business.
For your next motion, I have moved his Majesty several
1 [This was an assembly of German Thomas Roe, whose appointment the
Princes summoned at Frankfort by Queen of Bohemia requested. (See
the Chancellor Oxenstiern, to which Mrs. Green's Life of Queen of Bohemia,
King Charles sent Sir Robert Anstru- p. 532.)]
therashis representative, instead of Sir
74 LETTERS.
A. D. 1634. times, but though he highly approve the work, yet will he
not publicly avow either Mr. Dury's person or his negotia
tion till he see better grounds to work on. Neither doth he
hold it any way fit so to do, where the princes which are
upon the place, and whom it must needs far more concern,
have not as yet publicly declared themselves. And I know
you will not think it any way fit for me to outrun the King
my master, and offer to give Mr. Dury any more public
countenance than I have warrant for. But I have prepared
a letter to Sir Robert Anstruther J, his Majesty's ambassador
in those parts, which I mean to show the King, and then
deliver to Mr. Dury.
I perceive you have received letters from the Chancellor of
Sweden k, by his son1, and so have I. Mine are short, and
contain nothing but a general desire of my assistance to his
son in his employment and for the cause. And though I am
in Court, yet am I as far almost from being able to give him
assistance as you are, for all these negotiations are handled
only at the Foreign Committee, of which number I am none m,
nor do I know upon what grounds things are like to be
ordered there. I have spoken my mind to his Majesty in
private, and that is all I can do, but am in the dark, and
know not so much as what I may well write back.
Concerning yourself, I have spoken more and more often
to his Majesty than ever I promised you to do, or than ever
I thought I should have had opportunity to do. And though
I have received at all times very good answers, yet, notwith
standing, I see not yet any footing given me upon which I
can ground any hopes to serve you. It may be because I
had once the happiness to join in assistance to help my old
acquaintance, Mr. Secretary Windebank, forward, you may
conceive me able to do more than I am, but I would very
willingly have you understand that if he had not had more
powerful friends than myself, he had never been where he is.
And therefore I pray build no more hopes upon me than I
J [He had been employed both in at this time, to ascertain what help
this and the preceding reign as was to be expected from the King for
ambassador in Germany.] his sister, the Queen of Bohemia.]
k [The celebrated Oxenstiern.] m [He was not admitted into the
1 [John (Mrs. Green calls him Axel) Foreign Committee till the following
Oxenstiern, who was sent to England March. See Diary, March 16, 1634.]
LETTERS. 75
am able to answer. So in great haste I leave you to the grace A. D.1634.
of God, and rest
Your very loving Friend,
Lambeth, Apr. 22, 1634. W. CANT.
I pray commend me to your Lady, and thank her for her
kind remembrance of me.
Your former letters were wholly concerning matters of state
in foreign parts, to which I could give you no answer.
To my very worthy freind Sr.
Thomas Roe, Kt. at his House at
Bulwick in Northampton shyre,
these.
LETTER CCLT.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE received from your Lordship two very large
letters ; I shall put them into one answer, and, as the multi
tude of my occasions forces me, contract that also into as
narrow [space] as I can.
And first, my Lord, to your letters, May 15. All Church
business is not referred to me, but the most is (I mean for
Ireland) ; but if I find a knot in anything, I must to the
Committee, and will. Had it not been thus, but that I
must have gone to the Committee for all, I must have let all
alone, for we meet as we were wont, and do as we were wont.
I will expect the names of the Clergy whose wives and
children are recusants, till you send them ; and when you
send them I will give the best account to you that I can. I
am glad to hear that the Primate disavows those Articles,
and likes the confirmation of ours.
And I approve of all that you have written concerning the
High Commission, and so soon as you send a draft for the
one, and names for the other, I will despatch both, provided
they come not whilst the King is in progress, which begins
July 14, and his return to Windsor is August 27, after which
he will be near enough for me to come at him.
Your Lordship is in an excellent way for Bishop Jones,
76 LETTERS.
A. D. 1634. arid in a better for the Bishop of Limerick. If Stretch will
not stretch to your offer n, I believe he will repent it : and
were it not for charity, I would say, a halter stretch all such
sacrilegious persons. And if you get the advowsons back
from Antrim to Downe, that's as good as the rest.
Next comes in your complaint of the cipher in the margin
of my letter °. O how it pleases me to see you hampered in
your own cords. If I had leisure, I would stay and solace
myself with this just revenge of your troubling me with a
cipher, that have lived thus long without any in my life, or
from my pen.
And it joys me more because there was no malice in it,
but mere chance, for I protest I did nothing purposely ; and
it doth me good, too, that it was in a place which you did
most desire to know. And, which makes the revenge full,
I keep no copies of my letters I send you, for want of time,
and so cannot repair it, but leave you in that ignorance. But
if you study well, in secunda secundis P, you may perchance
meet it one day.
You will look to O'Dingle. And if the Bishop of Ardfart
stink under ground, it were well if others that stink as much
as he were there too.
I am heartily glad I met with the same arguments against
the high altar's standing in our Lady's Chapel that your
Lordship did.
And for the general business of the Church, a kalendar
once a year is best, and a great deal of ease to us both, save
only in such particulars as shall need deliberation here, or
call for help from hence.
Laud the E. of Cork
I have told 102 in what case 132 is like to be for breach
yourself
of the Act of State, as 130 hath acquainted me with it ; I
hope you will not let him slip out of the net. But what if
O'Dingle being sick, die and end the business ?
I am glad you have received my letters to the Primate and
Archbishop of Dublin, and that I have given you content in
them ; and thank you heartily for the great expression of
your love to me thereupon, of which I assure your Lordship
n [See vol. vi. p. 308.] ° [See above, p. 70.] * [See above, p. 69.]
- LETTERS. 77
I am very confident. But you were not nearer laughing in A. D. 1634.
your Irish salmon's face than was I at the reading of it. I
know you have many salmons in Ireland ; but, it seems, this
is a great one. It would much joy old father Parsons, if he
were alive, to hear this tale. But what is the name of the
Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in Ireland, whom
you so much commend to Mr. Secretary Cokeq?
I am glad you are so fortified against the strength of the
Lord Cottington
foreign argument, both within yourself and from 110 all this
your Lordship
time. And though I am of your opinion that 130 is no very
false woman, yet since she is a woman, what wily fetches she
may have I cannot tell. You that know her better, may
trust as you see cause, and so will I. But if you can per-
the E. of Cork
suade 132 to do it himself, it will be twenty times better.
And 25, 17, for 19, 29, and 4.
the Lord Deputy
I see 130 is a shrewd wench indeed, and that she looks
the E. of Cork
well to her business. And if she lay it so home upon 132 as
to make him multiply into 26,000 at least r, she is a great
arithmetician.
I have, as you earnestly desire in both your letters, repre-
the King
sented this to the wisdom of 100 to consider of it, and read that
passage in your letters which was most pressing. The answer
I received was this : That if you follow it with an irrepre-
hensible honour and justice (they are your own words), you
may go on and be sure no favour nor underhand giving shall
take him out of the hand of justice. And if you will not
the King
believe me in this, I'll be sworn I have been told it by 100 at
the least. And I hope that is proof enough. Go thorough,
yet I must tell you money and friends will go far.
I am glad Mr. Philip Mainwaring's business succeeds so
well, and that it was my hap to give you the first light, and
do him the service. But all was true that I writ, as that
i [Sir Gerard Lowther. Wentworth r [Keferring, of course, to the fine
speaks very highly of him in a letter which it was hoped to obtain from
of March 25, 1635, to Secretary Coke him.]
(Straflbrde Letters, vol. i. p. 392.)]
78 LETTERS.
D. 1G34. the Lord Treasurer,
also concerning 105, who certainly is very gracious, and, ergo,
the Lord Deputy
you shall do well to persuade 130 to abate her stomach, or,
at least, the show of it. The time was when you persuaded
me, as much as I wish you now to persuade with your kins
woman. Yet I would have you more thorough for all that.
After this, thanks for Mr. Robinson, and excuse for the use
of your secretary, make an end of your first letter. Now to
your second, of the 3rd of June.
And here you first lead me in my Lord of Clogher. I look
upon him as brother to the Archbishop of St. Andrew's ; yet
if he be foul I leave him to justice. I leave also the Lord
Mountnorris to the cat, whom I never took to be a justicer
before ; and for Croxton, he is happy under you, and there
I leave him.
I thank you for your care of the Church, in the person of
the Dean of Deny s. If he will redeem his fault, let him.
And I think the robe will be well turned to buy in im-
propriations.
I am heartily set for uniform Church service ; yet I think
you have reason to carry all ends together if you can ; ergo,
make not the Parliament shy at anything, if God's service
stay a little for the King's, that the King may be the better
able to set forward and maintain God's. I think two months'
stay is to great good purpose.
I am content to pardon your slip about pastor and flock,
and all that long passage of Alvey and Billy Nelson*. All
indeed save that the proclamation of that great patriot or
patriarch Ben Ruddier u ; and your fear of the Bishop of
Lincoln, who makes such friends, or finds them, that I
think you need not fear his well-doing.
"Tis well if you have hope of fetching back the c£600 from
the Friars, but if those hopes rely on the Spanish agent, I
cannot build upon them. He is one so discontented here (if
reports be true) that I think he will not do much.
1 [See vol. vi. p. 353.] liament are printed. In the Long
1 [See vol. vi. p. 373.] Parliament he openly joined the Prea-
u [Rudyerd was probably a contem- byterian party, and sat in the Assem-
porary of Laud's at St. John's. He was bly of Divines. On the suppression
made Surveyor of the Court of Wards of the office he held, he was liberally
on March 9, 161£, and was knighted, compensated by his party. (Wood,
Several of his speeches spoken in Par- Ath. Ox. iii. 455.)]
LETTERS. 79
My Lord Cottington makes me believe he is my friend, A. D. 1634.
but I cannot tell what to say to his Spanish tricks. I ad
vised him to attend your Lordship this Parliament in Ireland,
and told him how much it would advantage him both in wis
dom and judgment, how to express himself; but it seems he
trusts me little, and prevail with him I cannot. The chief
reason that prevails with him is that he says he can learn as
much at home, and yet from you : for there goes up and
down (they say, but I cannot get the sight of it) the copy of
a speech, excellently penned, which they tell me is that which
you mean to utter at the opening of the Parliament. If this
be true, I wonder you would let a copy of it be stolen from
you till you had delivered the speech. And you will much
suffer by itv.
I am glad you have received content in the promotion of
the Bishop of Deny w. I hope he will deserve it. I have
given his Majesty thanks in your name for him.
I cannot hold it fit so suddenly, without any trial, to make
him of the Council, but when the Parliament is over, and
that he hath done some good service, I will move it, so you
take it on you to put me in mind.
The Prebend in York which the Bishop held x, the King
hath given to Dr. Marsh, one that himself took liking to
when he preached before him, at Worksop, in his journey to
Scotland. Had it not been so I would have moved for your
chaplain, Mr. Watts y ; but it would have been in vain, for
the King will think of no stranger as long as he hath choice
of men known to him by services done ; upon which ground
only he took notice from you of the service done and expected
from Dr. Bramhall.
The Dean of Cashells is here. I will send him back as
soon as I can, or rather, as he can end his business. I pray
you, therefore, keep the Provost z in his good mind to leave
it, and prepare the Fellows to choose the Dean. If they con-
v [Wentworth, in his reply to this His successor, Dr. Richard Marsh, was
letter, states that he had not at that afterwards Dean of York, and one of
time prepared any copy of what he the loyal sufferers.]
had intended to say. See Strafforde ? [See vol. vi. p. 557.]
Letters, vol. i. pp. 273, 299.] z [Dr. Robert Ussher. See vol. vi.
w [John Bramhall.] pp. 355. 356, 376.];
* [ThePrebendal Stall of Hustbwaite.
80 LETTERS.
A.D. 1634. sent, nothing better. If not, I would have present word of
it, and I will get a letter from the King.
The advertisement I gave concerning Mountnorris his un
willingness that Mr. Croxton should take the Precentorship a,
had no aim that you would put him upon a litigious title to
ruin a beginner ; but my observation tended to show your
Lordship how that Lord stands affected to the King's prero
gative, for that way of giving was that he excepted against.
I did desire to know whether all Church preferments under
Bishops were not in your Lordship's gift, to this end only,
that no opportunity might make me trespass upon you,
which I shall now carefully look to.
The business of Youghal seems to be extreme foul, and
that about Blagnal not fair. And you do well not to stay for
Lismore, since there is only matter of title ; not crime. And
for that according to your directions I employed Mr. Eaylton
to the Tower, whence he brought me copies of all the rats
have left uneat, which your Lordship shall receive herewith.
Only I wonder what the State means, to commit so many
rats to the Tower and provide no meat for them but records.
And it seems hunger made them as valiant as mastiffs, else
I wonder how they durst venture upon a Bull.
You conclude with two businesses for which I give you a
great deal of thanks. The one is your love to the Church,
and which gives me great content, your prudent care that it
may take effect against cunning and sacrilege. And though
the King
I have made 100 acquainted with it, yet I am promised
secresy from them all, with as much assurance as the best
of them can give me by words that no importunity shall alter
them, so you go on with honour and justice.
But further than this I will not be answerable to you,
because I see some power what it doth, and some favour what
it can do ; and money, which he hath store, can make both
favour and power work their uttermost.
The other is your confidence (so nobly expressed upon me)
I shall never deceive your trust. And I take myself beholden
to you for the copy of the letters you sent, which I carefully
delivered. All that I ask from you is, If at any time it so
• [See vol. vi. pp. 377, 378.]
LETTERS. 81
fall out that I dissent from you in opinion (which for aught A. D.I 634.
I see is not like to be often or in matters of confidence), you
will either convince me, or leave me free without offence,
which request I know you cannot deny me. Nor can I serve
any friend who denies me that privilege.
I was afraid Mr. Secretary Coke had lost his long despatch
which you sent about the Apostiling.
For the shorter was read, and I took occasion, when I saw
no name was acknowledged, to wonder that no answer came
to the many animadversions sent to you. And again, about
eight days after, the Secretary met me in the Council
Chamber, and told me he had received a large despatch to
the Apostilingb.
But as yet it hath not been tendered to the Committee ;
whether the Parliament business be the cause of stay or no,
I know not. I am extreme weary. I pray God bless your
Lordship's endeavours, and send us here more diligence, if
we want any. I rest
Your Lordship's loving poor Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, 23rd June, 1634.
Eec. 10th July; ansd. 23 Aug.c
LETTER CCLII.
TO KING CHARLES.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR SACRED MAJESTY,
THE Lord Newburgh d hath lately acquainted me that
Mistress Ann and Mistress Elizabeth Gary, two daughters
b [This refers to Wentworth's Chancellor of the Exchequer, and in
Letter of May 13 to Secretary 1626 Chancellor of the Duchy of
Coke. (Strafforde Letters, vol. i. pp. Lancaster, which office he held till
244, seq.)] his death. He was a friend and corre-
c [See Wentworth's reply in Straf- spondent of Sir H. Wotton, several of
forde Letters, vol. i. pp. 298, seq.] Sir Henry's letters to him being pre-
d [Sir Edward Barrett, of Bellhouse, served in the British Museum. His
Essex, created in 1627 Baron New- first wife was Jane, sister to Henry
burgh in Fife. He was for a short time Lord Falkland, and consequently
LAUD.— roL. vi. APP. G
LETTERS.
A. D. 1634. of the late Lord Faukland6, are reconciled to the Church of
Home, not without the practice of the lady their mother f.
Your Majesty, I presume, remembers what suit the Lord
Nevvburgh made to you at Greenwich, and what command
you sent by Mr. Secretary Coke to that lady, that she should
forbear working upon her daughters' consciences, and suffer
them to go to my lord their brotherg, or any other safe place,
where they might receive such instruction as was fit for them.
The lady trifled out all these commands, pretended her
daughters' sickness, till now they are sick indeed ; yet not
without hope of recovery. For (as my Lord informs me) they
meet with some things there which they cannot digest, arid
aunt to the ladies mentioned in this
letter. He was, as their nearest rela
tive, much interested in the family,
and endeavoured on Lord Falkland's
death to obtain for his son his
company of foot in Ireland, which was
in the gift of the Lord Deputy; an
interference with his patronage which
Wentworth much resented. (See Straf-
forde Letters, vol. i. p. 128.) A
detailed account of this nobleman is
given in Collins' Peerage, vol. vi. p.
586, Brydges's Edition.]
e [Henry Gary, first Viscount
Falkland, had died in September or
October, 1633.]
f [Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Law
rence Tanfield. See her pilgrimage
to Holywell mentioned in Accounts
of Province for 1637.]
« [Lucius Gary, the celebrated
Viscount Falkland. Clarendon in his
character of him mentions the efforts
made by his mother to gain him over
to the Church of Rome, and adds
'that his charity towards the Komanists
was much lessened, and any corre
spondence with them quite declined,
when by sinister arts they had cor
rupted his two younger brothers,
being both children, and stolen them
from his house, and transported them
beyond seas, and perverted his sisters.'
In the Clarendon State Papers (vol.
ii. pp. 535, seq.) there is a letter from
Patrick Gary, one of the sons, to Sir
Edward Hyde, requesting his inter
vention at the Court of Madrid to
procure him means of support. In
this letter he states that 'Being made,
in secret, of my mother's religion . . .
that I might continue in it, and be
taught what it was, I was stolen
into France.' His letter is dated in
1650, and as he speaks of this as
having occurred fifteen years pre
viously, his perversion must have
taken place about the same time with
that of his sisters.
In Sir Edward's reply, he mentions
that he saw his sisters in Gambray,
where it appears they were lodged in
a nunnery. In the notes to these
letters Patrick Gary's subsequent
history is traced, and Lady Theresa
Lewis (Clarendon Gallery, vol. i. p.
246), from whom these extracts are
taken, adds a passage from Evelyn's
Diary, in which he states that he saw
him in the English College at Douay,
and that ' he afterwards came over to
our Church ' Only one of these ladies
is mentioned in the Peerages, Anne,
who was married to Lord Hume, and
only one brother, Lorenzo, killed at
the battle of Swords, in Ireland, and
whose name occurs several times in
the Strafforde Letters (see vol. i. pp.
205, 252). Another daughter, Victoria,
is spoken of by Garrard, in his letter
of July 3, 1638, to Wentworth (Straf
forde Letters, vol. ii. p. 180). He
mentions her as living in Court, as
favoured by the King in a match she
then contemplated, and as having a
portion of 4,000?.
From the statements in this letter
(and from many MSS. preserved in
the State Paper office, though not
noticed by Lady Theresa Lewis), it
appears that Lord Falkland deprived
his mother and brother, as far as he
could, of any means of maintenance,
leaving them, as his brother speaks
for himself, 'to a strange likelihood of
starving.']
LETTERS. 83
are willing to be taken off again by any fair wayh. I have A. D. 1634.
taken hold of this, and according to my duty done what I
could think fittest for the present. But the greatest thing I
fear is, that the mother will still be practising, and do all she
can to hinder. These are therefore humbly to pray your
Majesty to give me leave to call the old lady into the High
Commission, if I find cause so to do. And further, as I was,
so am I still, an earnest suitor that she might be commanded
from Court, where if she live, she is as like to breed inconve
nience to yourself as any other. I [write no] passion in
[this], but [of the knowledge] which I have of [her pr]evious
practi[sin]g. A[nd now] I have once again performed [my]
duty, and acquainted your Majesty with her dangerous dis
position, I leave it to your piety and wisdom, and humbly
take my leave.
Your Majesty's most obliged and faithful Servant,
W. CANT.
Croydon, July 20, 1634.
For the King's most Excellet
Maiestve.
LETTER CCLIII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
YOUR brother* hath been at Court and received welcome
(I doubt not) according to his news, of which I am heartily
glad for your sake, but much more for his Majesty's service,
that it is so good. At his return he came to Croydon to me,
where he found me more indisposed than I thought fit to
express to him. I hope I have mastered this threatening,
whatever it were ; and with many thanks that Parliament
affairs cannot make your pen stay from saluting me with the
h [Laud was not successful in his previous note.]
efforts to bring back these ladies. See * [Sir George Wentworth.]
G2
84 LETTERS.
A. D. 1634. first, I thought fit to give those your noble lettersJ this
answer by the bearer, and fill your brother's hands with an
answer to those which you threaten to send shortly.
Your brother hath imparted to me what difficulties you
were like to run with this beginning Parliament, by the prac
tice of the Roman party to bring all within their power, and
to put such an obligation upon the King as was no ways fit
for his Majesty to receive from them, or from any party of
subjects whatsoever, that by any plotted forwardness exclu
sive of others may desire to bind their Sovereign to their
own ends.
This, by God's blessing and your providence, is happily
over. And I am persuaded, had you not gone presently to
work, but given time to counsel ill set by the priests (little
beseeming their office would they weigh it, and not in
faction), you would have hazarded all.
Well ! six subsidies is beyond all that your hopes promised
us on this side ; and you are now at quiet already, and full
master of this work ; yea, and of the great and full settlement
of that kingdom, if you may keep the moneys there, to do
that first for which they are given. I shall not see his
Majesty till his return; but when I do I will not forget the
& Iwillnotf
duties of my place ; 84, 46, 75, 47, 59, 60, 63, 50, 73, 36,
ail t o m o v e the King a s ' e a r
41, 46, 59, 74, 49, 61, 49, 52, 45, 85, 100, 40, 71, 44, 42, 69,
nestlyaslcantoall
63, 43, 91, 59, 80, 40, 72, 46, 32, 42, 64, 73, 51, 40, 60, 59,
that yo udes ireo fme&I
88, 80, 50, 54, 35, 45, 71, 46, 69, 45, 51, 37, 61, 43, 83, 47,
fear none but Lord Treasurer & i
37, 44, 40, 70, 64, 49, 63, 45, 30, 53, 73, 105, 83, 46,
fheoncefal lupo ni
36, 55, 44, 49, 64, 33, 45, 37, 41, 60, 59, 54, 65, 50, 63, 48,
t the King no edoubtwillf
74, 100, [63, 49,] 45, 34, 49, 52, 31, 74, 75, 48, 59, 60, 36,
o 1 1 owe him againstal 1
49, 60, 59,49, 75, 43, 96; 40, 38, 42, 47, 63, 91, 42, 60, 59,
that I c a n s aye
87, 48, 33, 40, 64, 71, 41, 80, 44 k.
J [See Straffurde Letters, vol. i. p. unintelligible. The errors consisted
273.] in every case in the substitution of
k [It has been found requisite to one vowel for another, probably in
correct four obvious inaccuracies in consequence of Laud's want of fami-
the cipher in this passage, without liarity with that mode of writing.]
which it would have been absolutely
. LETTERS. 85
Now, my Lord, to your serious business. I think you have A. D. 1634;.
clone well to lay down your opinion of following my Lord
Cottington for a forestaller, for certainly you would fail in
proof, unless you should bring in me and Secretary W. for
witnesses. And I, for my part, though his Donship hath
deserved enough of me, am not willing to be brought into
such a public manner against him being a peer of the realm.
And surely you will have less advantage against him in the
Star Chamber for spreading false news. For he is so con
fident of his copy that he tells some passages in it. At first,
he says you bring in an example about the heathen gods
and that they of greater volume, as Jupiter, Apollo, &c., were
to stand openly sub Dio to all men's view1. And he is merry,
and saith you might as well have spoken to those Irish lords
in heathen Greek. This he tells us is the beginning of your
speech.
After this he says you have a notable passage by way of
counsel to them, to take heed of private meetings and
consults in their chambers, by design and privity before
hand, to contrive how to carry public affairs in the Houses.
And that you never knew in all your experience that such
meetings did any good to the public or to any particular
man, but much hurt to both. And here he is very merry,
and says you are very able to give counsel in this, because
your experience is great in such private meetings, had you
used it as well. And I, for my part, think he was as far in
as you, if not further, and used it as ill. Then, towards the
end of your speech he says you gave them very good advice
indeed. In any case not to divide, not in religion, betwixt
Protestant and Papist, as touching this service ; not in nation,
between English and Irish ; not in interest, between King
and people, &c.
Now examine yourself, if these things be true, what you
can say against him. But if they be false, bring him into
the Star Chamber, in God's name, and you shall have a leaf
or two, or more, at your sentence, when you will. I know
that Secretary will do more for you than that comes to.
If these be not true observations out of your speech, yet
, } [The passages referred to certainly Strafforde Letters^ vol. i. pp. 286,
occifr in Wentworth's Speech. See seq.]
86 LETTEIIS.
A. D. 1634. now 'tis spoken, you may show us, when you will, the copy
that shall confute his malice.
And, though there would have been no fear of it in a mild
delivery, yet some noise fills somewhat, though I think you
would speak nothing there, but that which would be reason
without noise. Remember that I only tell you the truth of
these things, and that done, I add seriously to you, I have
more than I can do. But the Church hath too little, and it
will one day be found. But I doubt you are a bird of the
same feather, while you charge your friends for being feathers
of one wing.
Make what sport you will, but you shall not find any man
readier to serve you than
Your Lordship's
Most affectionate Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Croydon, Aug. 2, 1634.
Kecd. 18th of the same. Answd. 23rd.m
LETTER CCLIV.
TO SIR THOMAS ROE.
[Swedish Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
8. in Christ o.
WORTHY SIR,
I HAVE at last received your letters, well fouled and
worn, as they must needs be. For to whose trust you com
mitted them I know not, but whereas they bear date August
4, they came not to my hands till the 23rd of the same
month, and then they were left at an inn, and might perhaps
have travelled further, for aught I know.
Now for their contents. I have had a little leisure (and but
a little) for these three weeks past ; and now that his Majesty
is upon his return, I must fall to grinding again ; but about
three weeks since I received letters out of Germany, from my
m [Sco Wentworth's reply in Strafforde Letters, vol. i. pp. 298, seq.]
LETTERS. 87
Lord Ambassador11, and with them letters from Mr. Dury, A.D. 1634.
which gave me an account of all which you now write, and
he sent me the copy of that worthy work, which goes under
the name of Dr. Hoe°. I found time to read over that
speech, and all the charity that is in it ; which I confess
I might soon do, but his uncharitableness not so soon.
I have in my time read much bitterness, but hardly have I
seen more gall drop from any man's pen. If it please God
so much good may come of it as you mention, that is, to
make moderate men unite the closer, and press on the harder
to the work, it will be God's great blessing, but no thanks to
him, whom I, for my part, shall hardly hereafter judge to be
either learned or honest.
What the device may be between him and the Dukep,
either upon reason of State, as they conceive it, or for private
ends, to the gaining whereof reason of State must be pre
tended, I know not ; but I confess you seem to guess un
happily, which you may the more easily do, because you
have been upon, or near the place, where you might better
observe that Duke's proceedings.
Having formerly received this libel (if you will) of Dr.
Hoe's, the main thing in your letter is the last ciause, by
which it seems you have a good mind in this leisure of yours
to give it an answer, only you are willing to hear my judg
ment concerning it, before you put your hot thoughts (for
so you call them) in execution. And truly, for my part,
I think neither the man nor the thing deserve an answer by
any sober pen. He should write on, for me, till some carter
cried Hoe. Besides, till his Majesty be pleased in a more
public manner to avow these proceedings, I cannot think it
fit for any subject of his professedly to undertake the quarrel,
and least of all for you, who have been publicly employed by
his Majesty in or near those parts. And, lastly, I am not
clear in my judgment, that any answer can be given unto it
without prejudice to the cause, which is so much desired.
For I cannot persuade myself that such a fiery spirit will be
n [Sir Robert Anstruthcr. The Queen Elector of Saxony. He is described as
of Bohemia had wished Roe to be a zealous Lutheran, and a violent writer
employed in his stead. (Green's Life of against Calvinists and Papists.]
Elizabeth of Bohemia, p. 532.)] P [The Duke Elector of Saxony.]
0 [Matthias Hoe, preacher to the
88 LETTERS.
A.D. 1034. quenched by any answer; and then we shall have reply upon
reply, till at last moderate men themselves be overheated,
and all hopes lost. 1 write not this to bound your thoughts ;
but leave you free to take what course you think fittest, if
herein your judgment differ from mine.
I am glad to hear that you and your lady are in health.
I pray remember my service to her. And for yourself,
I know the late coming of your letters to my hands will be
a sufficient excuse why you have my answer no sooner.
So I shall leave you to the grace of God, and rest
Your loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Croydon, Augst. 25, 1634.
To the Rl. Worp11". my very worthy
Freind, Sr. Thomas Rowe, Ke. att
Bull wi eke in Northampton shy re,
these.
LETTER CCLV.
A
TO GODFREY GOODMAN, BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER,
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. O.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I RECEIVED letters a week since and better by your
servant. In them you desired an answer by him, which was
impossible for me to give, because his Majesty's pleasure was
first to be known before I could take upon me to give his
answer. On Sunday last I waited upon his Majesty at
Nonsuch q, where, because I would not mistake anything in
your desires, I took occasion to read your letters to him.
There, to the circumstances of your letters, he made little
answer, but to that which you chiefly proposed in them he
commanded me to give you this answer.
1 [This palace was commenced by who pulled it down, and sold the
Henry VIII. and completed by Henry materials, with which the Earl of
Fitzalan, Earl of Arundel. Charles Berkeley built Durdana.]
II. gave it to the Duchess of Cleveland,
LETTERS. 89
And first, concerning a coadjutor, his Majesty thinks now A.D. 1634.
(as you say I did heretofore), that it is a very unadvised
motion. And whereas you write now that you are resolved,
so soon as you have made up your accounts in the Exchequer,
to petition his Majesty that you may resign your bishopric ;
to this the King commanded me to give you this answer ;
That you should be very well advised what you do ; for if you
do tender him a resignation, he will accept it.
After this your Lordship is pleased to add, that you intend
to live upon your Commendamr ; and you say that you have
a strong hope and expectation that to this Commendam which
you now have, his Majesty will give you either the same
which you had before you were Bishop, or the like. To this
his Majesty commanded me to tell you plainly, that the pre
ferments which you had before you took the bishopric of
Gloucester are now in other men's possession, and he cannot
give them. And for anything else more than you now have,
he will not. That which you have already, if you will needs
resign, he will give you leave to hold. And this gives answer
to your next passage, in which you desire to have some pre
ferment of his, who ere he be that succeeds in your bishopric,
which you see his Majesty will not give way to.
And now, my Lord, I do not find that the long petition
which you mention in your letters, was delivered to his
Majesty, when I had this speech with him ; and therefore to
that I can say nothing. Bat whereas you conclude, that you
know not well how to dispose of yourself, I will be bold to
tell your Lordship plainly, that I am still of the mind I was,
that is, that you are very ill-advised to think of resigning
your bishopric, which you may both hold and do good service
in, if you please. For my part, say what you will, I think
God hath fitted you as well to the disposition of that people as
of any other. Nor will any man believe that Gloucestershire
men are so much different from all other Englishmen, as
that you can fit yourself to any other diocese, but not to that.
And therefore your Lordship shall do very well to quiet your
thoughts, and settle yourself to your business. And since
your Lordship knows (I think) that the resigning of your
bishopric will not put off the Bishop ; it will be a fine
1 [This was a stall at Windsor. Sec vol iii. p. 168.]
90 LETTERS.
A. D. 1634. contemptible thing for you in a settled Church, as this is, to
bring yourself and your calling into such scorn. Therefore,
once again, I pray you, think no more of your resignation.
But if you will needs go on to do yourself that wrong, I pray
trouble me no more with it, for I have said all I can to you.
So I leave you to the grace of God, and rest
Your Lordship's loving Friend and Brother.
From Croydon, Sept. 13, 1634.
LETTER CCLVI.
TO THE DEAN AND CHAPTER* OF HEREFORD.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christo.
AFTER my very hearty commendations, &c. These are to
let you know that my Lord the Bishop of Hereford8 hath found
himself like to be ill-used by you concerning his Visitation,
which it seems you mean to protest against, if he proceed to
visit. Hereupon, to prevent further unseemly dispute and
cavil about it in the country, to the disgrace both of him and
yourselves, he thought fit by me to petition his Majesty, and
to lay your pretensions before him. This I have done accord
ingly. And his Majesty hath commanded me to write unto
you, as followeth. First, that his Majesty is resolved no
Dean and Chapter in the kingdom shall upon any pretences
be exempt from the triennial Visitation of their Ordinary,
as Ordinary, and therefore not you. Secondly, that he
hath seen a breviate of all pretences, and commanded me
to tell you plainly, that he finds cause enough to suspect the
partiality of your Register, in many particulars concerning
your exemption. That all which you plead from the grant of
any Pope is void by the law of the land, unless his Majesty
give his consent unto it, which he neither hath done, nor
ever will do. That that which you plead out of your statutes,
s [Augustine Lindsell. See vol. Hi. p. 352.]
LETTERS. 91
that all Prebends shall make their answer for all things con- A. D. 1634,
cerning that Church, &c., Decano et non alteri, his Majesty
holds to be frivolous. For suppose his Majesty visit by
deputation, the Prebends shall answer to his Deputy, yet
that is alteri. And they shall answer to the Archbishop
visiting metropolitically, by himself or his Vicar-general, and
that is alteri. Neither of these causes is excepted by your
statute, and yet neither of them are breaches upon it. There
fore alteri in your statutes is against any collateral and in
truding authority, but not against ordinary and superior. Or if
it be against superior, it was only then in force when perhaps
you had certain papal exemptions, which now are taken away
by the law, and shall neither be preserved nor restored by his
Majesty ; which frees you from the obligation of your oath
and statute, as well in that particular as in divers others
which you daily practise. Thirdly, if the Prebends shall
answer to none but Decano, to whom shall the Dean himself
answer? Shall he abuse the Church, and suffer it to be
abused as he please, and have no visitor ? These are, there
fore, by his Majesty's express directions to will and command
you the Dean and Prebends of Hereford, and every of you,
to admit of your Bishop's visitation; and to acknowledge
him your Ordinary and Visitor by law, both now and in all of
his triennials, and so likewise of his successors after him, as
you and every of you will answer to his Majesty at your utmost
perils.
And that you register these letters, that they remain to
succession, as a rule and direction in this case, that there may
arise no further disputes. Thus not doubting but you will
yield all obedience to his Majesty's direction and command
by me herein delivered, I leave you to the grace of God,
and rest
Your loving Friend,
W. CANT.
From Croyden, Septemb. 22nd, 1634.
92 .LETTERS.
A. D. 1034.
LETTER CCLVII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I AM not yet ready to give answer to your Lordship's
letters which I lately received ; but, God willing, at your
brother's or Sir Philip Mainwaring's return into those parts
you shall not fail to hear further from me.
At this time 1 have put these my letters into this bearer's
hands, to give your Lordship notice that he is the party
on whom his Majesty is pleased to bestow the Bishopric
of Limerick fc.
And to that purpose he is now come to wait upon your
honour, and humbly to crave your favourable assistance in
his behalf. Besides, he hath a further suit to your Lordship;
for, having left two livings in England u, whereof one was of
good value, he must humbly rely upon your Lordship's
favour to fit him with some Commendam that may be con
venient for him. He hath been an ancient chaplain to his
Majesty that now is, and to his father of blessed memory, in
whose service he hath demeaned himself very well, yet never
had the fortune to obtain anything thereby, till now.
I doubt not but your Lordship will find him a very honest,
fair-conditioned man. And for any kindness you shall please
to show him in his Commendam, or otherwise, I shall heartily
thank you, as I must do for many things else. So I leave
him to your Lordship's nobleness, and you to the grace of
God, ever resting
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
From Lambeth, 8ber. 9, 1634.
1 [George Webbe. See vol. vi. the Rectory of the Abbey Church,
P- 393.] Bath.]
u [Steeple Ashton,in Wiltshire, and
LETTERS. 93
A. D. 1634.
LETTER CCLVIIL
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENT WORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
MY cipher is at Lambeth, else I should have taken a
little more pains. Now I must, and I think I may, trust it
in these hands. ^ MT-
Secretary
Your brother came to me this day, and told me that a Mainwar-
Secretary of the Earl of Cork is come over hither, to solicit ing'
the business of his being called into the Castle Chamber, and
the Lord Treasurer
to wait upon 105 to friend him in that business. I moved
his Majesty this day about it, and humbly desired him, that
since the crime was so great, and that his Majesty had been
made acquainted with it before it was begun, and gave free
consent unto it, he would not now suffer it to be taken off
by any pretences.
The King commanded me to tell you, that he will not be
taken off, and ergo, would have you look well to your pro
ceedings, that they be just and honourable.
In your letters of the 22nd September, you write that you
have not had any answer to your propositions for increase of
the revenue, so long since sent over. I acquainted the King
with that passage. His Majesty, the next day, took an occa-
the Lord Treasurer
sion handsomely to tell it to no less than 105, I think. He re
plied (as was told me, for I was gone home), with a great pro
testation, that he had given you answer to all those particulars,
save those which concerned plantations, which yourself de
sired might be respited till the Parliament was over. Upon
this I took another occasion this day to press it, since one of
you must needs make a great strain in the business. His
Majesty grew sensible of this, — asked me whether I knew the
particulars, commanded me to bring them to him, means
the Lord Treasurer
to put them to 105, and to tell them all that you have sent to
him about them, and complained that you have no answer.
94 LETTERS.
A. D. 1C34. And I am pommanded to let you know this in particular, to
the Lord Treasurer
the end that if 105 or any of that number expostulate with
you, you must not fail to take upon you that you have so
complained to the King indeed ; and that you did it because
you had no answer.
You will pardon me, for I am in great haste, and very
weary. So I take my leave again, and rest
Your Lordship's
Very loving Friend to honour and serve you,
W. CANT.
Hampton Court, Oct. 26th, 1634.
Kecd. 4th Nov.
I write these letters by the King's command.
LETTER CCLIX.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTII.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
SINCE Secretary Mainwaring went away, I am informed
by a very good hand of a particular which I think is fit for
your knowledge ; both that you may see how I am dealt
with by an Irish Bishop, and that yourself may carry an eye
upon him, and his like, that they cause not further disturb
ance, in the Convocation there.
The person is Dr. Buckworth, Bishop of Drummore v. He
is a Norfolk or Suffolk man, and there he hath been this
summer with his friends. How those countries for the most
part stand affected, your Lordship cannot but know. And it
seems this man and his friends there were well met.
v [Theophilus Buckworth, brother- Life.) He seemed to have strong
in-law to Archbishop Ussher, having leanings towards the Puritanical party,
married his sister Sarah. (See the (Mant's Hist, of Irish Church, vol. i.
Ussher Pedigree in Elrington's p. 460.)]
LETTERS. 95
With me he hath been very bold, being a mere stranger to A. D. 1634.
me ; for there discoursing freely of Irish affairs, he bestowed
on me this language.
First, that I had sent for the College Statutes, and meant
to alter them, and he doubted much, that I would overthrow,
or at least spoil the College, or to that effect.
Secondly, he delivered in terminis, that in the late Session
of Parliament I had set up men to maintain Arminianism.
I am certainly informed of these things, but you know how
hard it will be to prove them.
My Lord, I can tell how to pass by more than this, with
contempt of falsehood and vanity ; and do heartily pray you
to make no public noise of it.
If you will call him in private, and school him for it, I leave
that to your judgment. But certainly my thoughts towards
that Church, and my poor endeavours for it, have not merited
this.
You may by this be better able to know, and observe, this
Bishop and his ways, and prevent anything which either
now or hereafter shall be attempted by him. So I leave your
Lordship to God's good blessing, and rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Oct. 31, 1634.
LETTER CCLX.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I SHALL give you time for a fuller answer. I do it here,
almost every day the Court sits, to them that deserve it
worse. Besides I see you are troubled with graces w. They
do not use to trouble men. And I believe if your house be
troubled, it will be rather for want of grace, than for graces,
w [This refers to the graces or Commons. (See Strafforde Letters,
requests made by the Irish House of vol. i. pp. 312, seq.)]
96 LETTERS.
A. D. 1034. be they never so many. For the Church bills, your trans
mission of them will make them welcome, because I know
you will make them as perfect as you can. And if that
Church flourish not in the next age, I hope it shall be neither
your fault nor mine.
I am heartily glad you are so entirely satisfied with the
answers you received from his Majesty.
I expressed my thoughts thus clearly to you for as much
as I know. And if any advice of mine be worth the follow
ing, I am glad of that too.
That the Earl of Cork is brought into the Star Chamber
is great news indeed. I would you had been as free in
setting down the cause ; for now the Earl being held a wise
and prudent man, I shall be apt to think he will not lie open
to advantage. And then it must needs fall heavy upon them
that shall in that way attempt against him and not prove.
30,54, 73, 19, 14, 46, 36, 79, 49, 52, 3, 40, 63, 38, 43, 69,
the boil* hewill ve
85, 17, 31, 50, 47, 59, 20, 56, 44, 76, 48, 60, 59, 13, 54, 45,
xyou marryif
77, 80, 49, 53, 12, 27, 61, 42, 69, 70, 80, 47, 36, 20 you can
break him yous ha 11 h
31, 70, 45, 40, 57, 95, 24, 80, 50, 54, 72, 55, 41, 60, 59, 56,
ave matterenogh
40, 52, 44, 16, 26, 61, 40, 74, 73, 45, 70, 43, 64, 51, 38, 55.
And it will be good enough by virtue of a proverb, &c. I hope
I have written some of these figures false enough to vex you,
for all along your last letter you have used Q, for R. And
no marvel if I snarl at the mistake.
But, hark you ! have you forgot Sir Edward Coke's rule ?
76, 47, 60, 59, 18, 48, 73, 64, 51, 74, 73, 40, 58, 43, 14, 28,
awaye the credit o
41, 75, 40, 79, 43, 15, 85, 13, 32, 70, 44, 34, 46, 74, 29, 50,
fyou rwitne ss e sby
37, 80, 51, 54, 69, 75, 46, 73, 64, 45, 72, 71, 43, 71, 31, 80,
makingethemde fend
61, 40, 58, 47, 63, 38, 45, 89, 44, 62, 34, 43, 5, 36, 45, 64, 35,
ants
41, 64, 73, 71? Look to it, for here I do not count it's practice
that two 34, 44, 17, 37, 45, 63, 19, 35, 42, 64, 74, 71, 29, 22,
x [An allusion to the Earl's name.]
LETTERS. 97
a s a r B. of Waterford, B. of Cork, can AD 1634
40, 72, 41, 69, 20, 153, 152, 32, 40, 63, 16,
• c o n de me athi r d
33, 49, 64, 35, 44, 61, 45, 40, 90, 47, 70, 35.
I thank you for my duplicate. And other news I have
none ; but so leave you to God's blessing and your business,
ever resting
Your Lordship's faithful Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Dec'. 3rd, 1634.
Recd. 28th of the same.
P.S. Sir Anthony Pell hath put into the Star Chamber a LdTreasurer
Bill of strange coinage (as it is laid) against Sir James Bagg, i s 'm
Sir Richd- Tichborne, Mr. Lake, and Mr. Gibbons y. What **' *]' "'
he will be able to prove I know not, but the bill obliquely, 53> 3t2' 5r5'
yet by name, doth much scandalize the Lord Treasurer. 1^» ^3 69»
There is as much expectation as talk of the bill, and both 49, 31, 59,
great. And all the reason in the world that the Lord Trea- 44, 35, 40,
surer should be repaid against either plaintiff or defendants, ^ 13> 3^
as it falls, or falls not out in proof z. 4 j ^ ^
28*.
LETTER CCLXI.
TO THE LOUD VISCOUNT WENTWORTII.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
YOUR letters came to me in the Christmas holidays, and
I thought at first sight of them you had sent me two pair of
cards, for so big at least they were ; but when I opened
them they gave me no leave to play, or do anything else but
read them. And without further preface than of my love,
I fall to my answer of all particulars, and as your letters
lead me.
y [He was Secretary to Portland, scq., and Garrard's Letter to Went-
the Lord Treasurer.] worth of November 10, 1634 (Strafforda
'• [On this case, see vol. vi. pp. 29, Letters, vol. i. p. 337).]
LAUD. — VOI;. VI. A PP. J]
98 LETTERS.
A. P. 1G34. And first to your Lordship's second letters a — because they
make a more perfect relation of some things which your
former letters left doubtful. So that unless I keep the crab's
path, and go backward, I shall be forced to give several
answers to the same thing lying before me in different
degrees of perfection, as the embryo grew in the wombs of the
Parliament or Convocation. I am heartily glad the Articles
of England are so canonically admitted1'; it is a great step to
piety and peace. And now the work is done you will look
back upon the difficulties with more content. Indeed, my
Lord, had the Articles of Ireland slipped into a confir
mation, you would have had cause to be sorry for it, in
regard both of Church and State. You knew my fears of
this, when I did not think you should have found so much
by experience as you now find. And I am as confident as
yourself, that you were under a design to be surprised. But,
since you desire it, it shall not be imputed to the Primate. I
have newly received a letter from him ; in it, a brief relation
that the Articles of England are admitted, but not any
one word more, than of your great care and dexterity in
managing that business. And that I see is most true. I have
received the A and the D c : and I cannot see what they stand
for, but Dean Andrews, that reverend ignoramus. His book
of Canons also, and the names of the excellent Committee,
with all the rest of your papers and despatches.
a [This was Wentworth's letter of disputed. Therefore I expect from
December 16, 1634, which explains you to take only the voices consenting
many of the allusions in this letter. or dissenting, and give me a par-
(Strafforde Letters, vol. i. pp. 342, seq.) ticular account how each man gives
Wentworth's reply to this letter is his vote. The time admits no delay,
dated March 10. ( Straff orde Letters, so I further require you to perform
vol. i. pp. 378, seq.)] the contents of this letter forthwith,
b [See Canons of the Synod at and so I rest
Dublin in 1634, Canon I. (Wilkins' " Your good Friend,
Concilia, vol. iv. p. 498). This Canon « WENTWORTH.
was passed in consequence of the « Dublin Castle,
following letter addressed by Went- the 10th of December, 1634."
worth to Dr. Lesly the Prolocutor : —
Ifc is maintained by Heylin and
" Mr. Prolocutor, others, that the Irish Canons of
"I send you here enclosed the 1615 were thus virtually abrogated,
form of a Canon to be passed by the This question is entered on by Bp.
votes of the lower house of Convo- Mant in his History of the Irish
cation, which I require you to put to Church, vol. i. p. 491.]
their consents, without admitting any c [These were marks written in the
debate or other discourse : for I hold margin of a copy of the English
it not fit, nor will suffer that the Canons, meaning ' Approbandi,' and
Articles of the Church of England be ' Deliberandi.']
LETTERS. 99
But the best of this business (next the admittance itself of A- D-
the Primate
the Articles) was the double Canon, the one shot by 133,
your Lordship.
and the other by 130. And certainly you had no reason to
trust him so far, whom you had so good cause to suspect had
not dealt openly with you in a business of such consequence.
But for the issue, it is extreme well. And so taken here
by the King and the Lords ; so absolution you need none.
And if you have not a letter of allowance of what you have
done, you must impute it to me, or Mr. Secretary Coke ; for
the King commanded me there should be one written (and
so much I have told the Secretary). I never saw him better
satisfied. I related the sum of the business to the King before
the Lords, but because we are not all one woman's children, I
did forbear to read all your letters, lest some to whose pains
you are beholden, might check at Ananias d, and some other
very good expressions ; and especially to conceal the Primate.
Since Dr. Leshly c is so wise as to expect a better Bishop
ric, I have with much ado gotten it for Andrews. But I
assure you the King was so angry with him and his Convo-
cat on chair, that he would hardly be gotten to it. In this I
had some eye to the Primate, for he writ to me now again in
his behalf for the Bishopric of Femes and Laughlin. But,
will you laugh ? He concludes his suit thus : ' I hope he
shall speed now because my Lord Deputy hath writ for him/
And since he is to be a Bishop, I can be content to maintain
his place, though I value not his person ; and therefore have
obtained of the King, that he may hold in commendam that
which he now hathf, saving his deanery of Limerick, that is
loose for your Lordship to bestow.
I see indeed by your duplicates s (for which I heartily
thank you), that you have marched A aliaritly. But I find
that we of the Committee here do not see so far into the
benefit and consequence of the Statutes of Wills and uses,
the Earl Marshal
as your Lordship's letters express to me. Yet 107 checked
d [An expression applied by Went- { [He was Precentor of St. Patrick's,
worth to Dean Andrews.] Dublin.]
e [Henry Leslie, the Dean of Down. s [Of the letter to Secretary Coke,
He was shortly afterwards appointed printed Strafforde Letters, vol. i. pp.
to that See.] 345, seq.]
H 2
100 LETTERS.
1634. at them, as being too hard for the people, arid wondered they
the King
passed so ; and this in the presence of 100 and more.
The more is the Lord Chancellor of Ireland h to be com
mended for complying with the King's service, though he
foresaw that you must keep such things as these to yourself.
give
For here is a jealousy raised that somebody 38, 46, 54, 45,
71, 17, 29, 65, 69, 47, 52, 40, 73, 48, 10, 19, 64, 36, 49, 70,
m a t i o n the Earl Marshal
61, 14, 16, 41, 73, 48, 50, 64 [. At the same time also 107
were very careful for the Earl of Kildare-*, which, as I take it,
you gave a hint of in your own despatch to them. And I
wonder how you could have leisure to write so many at once
as 107 is.
I have in private represented to his Majesty the state of
Ireland as it is now, and as you describe it in your letters to
me, which the King acknowledged was excellent service, and
added withal, besides your other abilities you were a miracu
lous industrious man, to carry so many things together in
such a way. What hint I took from this to serve you, is not
a work for my pen.
Your proposition for the prorogation of Parliament I have
weighed as well as I can, and I must confess your reasons
are of moment; yet I am not convinced ; but must needs (as
yet advised) think it fitter to end it quite.
The King and the Lords are of the same opinion. The
reasons you will find expressed in Mr. Secretary Coke's
answer, so I shall spare that pains. That which moves me
is that which I have often seen by experience in England —
that Protestants, and popishly affected, do for factious ends
work one upon another, and then join against the State ; and
so I fear they may easily learn to do in Ireland. Then the
Protestants having no more odds in voices than they have,
can neither make the Parliament hang as a rod over the
other faction, nor confirm the plantations of Connaught and
Ormond. Besides, it is here said, you undertake the finding
of a title to both, without a Parliament.
h [Adam Loftus, Vise. Ely.] as corrections.]
1 [In MS. '47' and '45' are used J [George Fitzgerald. He married
in spelling this word instead of • 49 ' Joan, daughter of the Earl of Cork.]
and ' 48/ which have been inserted
LETTERS. 101
Shall I venture to give you a little foolish counsel? Now, A.D. 1634.
while you have the factions so divided, and the Protestant
the greater party, and the Earl of Ormond k sure to the
King's service, confirm and settle the King's title to those
plantations before any man expects it. It would be a brave
service, and I dare assure your pardon for so doing it * thought
without directions from hence shall be thanks. This is since, that
merely and solely my own ; you may see by the weakness of W9cr . ,
it, And for the rest, you must pardon my dissenting from hold on,
you where I am not satisfied. For I love Parliaments so well, ^metaT
that I would not have their prorogation nor anything else directions.
disgrace them. Now you are sure to end this with honour.
And in this business of great importance, you are the safer
that your reasons are not followed here. And thus far to
your letters of the 16th December.
Now to your letters of December 9 1. For I have given
you thanks for the Articles of England already.
And for your Secretary, I am glad you are so sure of him.
You could never have been so fitted with any but an Oxford
manm. For 'tis not the neighbour's child that doth it. They
are as froward as other children, if they be brought up near
the Fens.
Laud
You see in what case 102 is, and a very strange thing she
herself takes it to be, that having no enemy that seeks to
yourself
poison her body, she should have such a number as 130 should
The E. of Cork
seek to poison her mind. 132 had been one out, and a fitter
number indeed a great deal to think of poisoning.
Well ! howsoever you may see how jealousy works. But
for the speech, ' that the party you wot of begins many things
and ends none/ I profess I never heard it till you writ it.
And now I know it, and so do all men else, to be, if uttered,
the Lord Treasurer
a most base and malicious untruth. But I will lay a 105 to
it (and let malice and jealousy go together) that they or Lady
Mora is in fault, if anything there or here go in too slow a
pace. Here I am sure they do, and I cannot help it.
k [James Butler, twelfth Earl and m [Sir George Radcliffe was of tlni-
first Duke of Ormond.] versity College, Oxford ; but possibly
1 [These letters have not been pub- Mainwaring may be here meant.]
lished.]
102 LETTERS.
A.D. 1G34. I am sorry it was my chance to write so unseasonably to
you for the Deanery of Christ Church11; but the Dean of
Cashells would have been so fitted by it, that I could not
choose. Yet your answer is so noble and so just that I am
plentifully satisfied with it. I pray God you may be so with
me concerning one Mr. Watts0 and his preferment here.
You mention him not in your letters, nor do I remember the
man, or that ever you spake to me about him.
Howsoever it is impossible for me to help him or any other
man forward in the Church, unless he can get to come into
the Court service, and be the King's [Chaplain] in ordinary.
For that rule the King hath set to himself — he will prefer
no stranger as long as he hath fit men of his own, that are in
some measure known unto him. The time in Court for pre
ferring noblemen's chaplains, and letting the King's, which
bear the brunt and the charge of the service, stand by, is past,
and I hope shall never return again ; for besides all other
inconveniences, the men so preferred are more at their old
lords7 service (as the means of their promotion) than at the
King's which gives it. For yourself, I hope you are confident
I will do as much for you as for any, but this I cannot do.
And your brother, out of the care of your commands to him,
pressed me so far, after an answer twice given ; but the King's
rule I durst not make too common.
I hope Mr. Secretary Main waring will not stand in the
tomb's way ; and then his grandfather Fitton will say nothing
against it*. And you may think if such exceptions take, what
the Lord Treasurer's
a gap you open for 105 exceptions at least. For may not
one kindred procure the stay of the tomb where it is, as
well as another hinder the remove of it where it may be ? If
you can fit both, it is well ; but it may make a noise, and
perhaps do more, for the Lady Mora is extreme potent in
Court, and I would not give her ladyship just cause of excep
tion. By the way, as I was showing a passage of your letters
to the King, he espied my marginal note, ' the Lady Mora,'
and would needs know what we meant by it. I told him it
e vol. vi. p. 398.] Sir Edward Fitton, his grandfather,
[See above, p. 79.] died in 1579.]
p [This allusion cannot be explained.
LETTERS. 103
was a common by-word between us when we meant to ex- A.D. 1634.
press any extreme delay, and so passed on.
For the Earl of Cork, the King likes all. No one of the
Lords excepted to anything. I thank yon for the particulars
to myself, and have again spoken with his Majesty both
before the Lords' Committee, and since, alone, that he will
not endure any suppression of so foul a practice against the
Church. So let him, and 175 and 176q, and all his other
friends mumble as much as they please. Look you to the
honour and justice of the King's proceedings, and I doubt not
but all will be well.
The rest of your particulars — Captain Face in the Alchy-
mistr; your younger learning of the Black Friars3; the
excellent stratagem of disinherison, and I know not how
many more ; your salmon leap, which indeed is excellent in
that river, though I laugh at it still and old Parsons fc — I
the E. of Cork
cannot stand to answer, but am glad 132 goes no broken
ways, and that 137 and 138 u have given such unisons to
help on your music, which I think amidst your cares you
have sometimes need of.
That which follows is of great moment. 176 you say
the Lord Treasurer ;
makes herself sure of 105 ; yet I have known marriages come
the Lord Treasurer
as near as that and break off. For I heard that Lady 105
the King
say all that could be expected to 100, and all the rest that
were present at a Committee, ergo they are not cock-sure
Lord Cottington k n
of that. As for 110, I marvel how they can say, they 58, 63,
owe the w a y t o that w i i
49, 75, 44, 19, 25, 85, 76, 42, 80, 73, 50, 17, 88, 76, 48, 46,
d
34 v, for I have heard him protest extreme deeply, and so have
others too, that 55, 43, 16, 64, 45, 54, 43, 69, 24, 28, 73, 49,
51, 58, 42, 63, 7*9, 24, 30, 70, 46, 31, [43,] 36, 49, 70, anything.
i [No key has been found to these u [No key has been discovered to
ciphers.] these ciphers.]
1 [A play of Ben Jonson's.] w
• [The Drury Lane of that day.] v [This should probably be 76,
1 [See above, p. 77 ; and Strafforde o o d road
Letters, vol. i. p. 298.] 49, 51, U ; or 70, 49, 40, 34.]
104 LETTERS.
mj-self,
A. D. 1634. As for 102, the arrant shrew you mention, neither you
nor anybody else need fear her ; for ( curst kine have short
horns/ and God knows 'tis very little she can do any
ways. Yet, should she practise, I will (at your desire) be as
careful both to watch and to prevent it if I can, as may be.
And if your preacher who so often prayed for rain, hath
obtained as much among you as, God be thanked, is fallen
upon us, the river may grow deep enough indeed for a St.
Christopher to wade through it.
I humbly thank your Lordship for your favour ; but when
I speak to you in such another relation, see you remember
your duty ; for fathers love to be obeyed. God give you joy
of your other son, which I had not known of but by my Lord
Marshal's despatch. Well, God give you joy, bless your
lady and your sonw.
As for Madam Mora, she is sometimes morosa indeed, but
it must be borne.
I hope the keeping of your subsidies there for the use of
that kingdom is a thing settled. And I think there is great
reason of state for the King to keep great servants dependent
immediately upon himself, not each upon other (and the
King says he will) — let them look how heartily they love
each other, or how innocent their ambition be.
If they on this side were not as free to the Church in the
Bishop of Clonfert's case, as you there ; let the guilty person
bear his blame, I know him not. And for your new Bishop
of Limerickx, I hope he will do well; but sure everything
about him is not in the volume with his beard.
In comes Dean Andrews again. But I hope you will look to
him for riding through the bishopric of Femes, as he spurred
up the rider at Killala. I have received his letter again,
and sacrificed it. To your brief question I answer, ^Etatem
habet. You were loth to keep anything of the Church's in
your hands. That was but his letter, and this is mine. Will
you send it back to me for fear of profanation? Yea, but the
Bishop of Derry told you lately of Ananias. Do you think
if he did marry, the relict there would be a Sapphira? Well,
certainly, this is the Bishop of Derry's cunning, to call upon
w [This son, Thomas Wentworth, was 7th of October following. (Sec Biog.
born as far back as the previous 17th Brit, p. 4182 )]
of September, and was christened the * [George \Y\bbe.]
LETTERS. 105
Ananias so long, till (as yourself writes) he sit in the chair A. D. 1634.
in the Lower House of Convocation.
the King mot
The paper you sent me from 100, about your 61, 51, 73,
ion
47, 49, 64, &c. I have secreted in the fire, as also the copies
the Lord Treasurer
of the despatches concerning 105, and 105 to and fro, and
Lord Marshal
107, that they may never appear; but that which your kins-
the Lord Deputy Secretary Coke
woman 130 sent me and is a copy of that to 114, that and
the like I keep to make use of. I am glad that contrary to
all endeavours you have your content about the foot company
and horse troop. I know you cannot serve there with honour,
and comfort or success, if your credit be not upheld, which
God forbid but it should be done.
It is well you have abridged the reasons concerning tallow y,
— a greasy business it is. But lucrum ex re qualibet. I hope
I shall get them to be read and weighed ; yet I doubt you
must prepare yourself to some accommodation.
You will see more by Secretary Coke's apostile to this.
I can yet say no more till we come to debate it again.
But for your promise, that must be understood with a con
dition. And for your part in the farm, if there be a covenant
that there shall be no restraint upon this commodity, &c., I
cannot see what to except.
I have already told you that I committed the two copies
the Lord Treasurer yourself yourself Lord Treasurer
of 105 to 130 and of 130 to 105 to the fire; but before
the King
I did it I represented enough to a whole 100 at least, to
make them see, if they would, who spake truth,
the King myself
But both 100 and 102, 4, 17, 24, 29, 2, 7, 10, did think it
the Lord Deputy
very well advised by your friend 130, that no questions should
be stirred but those that are necessary.
And I hope there will be no necessity for any. Howsoever
you shall do very well to bid that friend of yours be as wary
as he says he will be. For certainly, silence may be as dan
gerous as an open quarrel. Though I write not this as if I
knew any, for I protest I am too great a stranger there ; but
-v i^See Strafforde Letters, vol. i. pp. 308, 348 ]
106 LETTERS.
A.D. 1634. the morosity and somewhat else is such, as that I cannot
help it, though I shall master it I hope in time.
I am glad the Bishop of Drummore escaped his danger.
And it is well he lives in so good credit. I do not envy him
that, but methinks he should let other men enjoy their credits
too. I would not have him hurt, but privately made to
understand his error2.
I thank Secretary Mainwaring for acquainting you with
Sir Hi. Winn's coming, and your Lordship for telling me a. I
the Lord Treasm-er
fear not 105 nor 29 nor 15 in this ; they have not that power
the Queen myself. the Queen
with 101 to make him distaste 102. But if 101 appear in
that suit, one of these two is certainly the cause of it ; either
some such 65, 70, 50, 59, 47, 63, 38, 19, 24, 37, 45, 59, 60,
as Winnishath se
40, 72, 23, 75, 46, 64, 63, 48, 71, 56, 42, 73, 55, 29, 71, 45,
t h i r o
74, 55, 46, 69, 49, 15, 19b, and mean to share the prey among
the Queen
them: or is there an interest, that 101 putting those things
the King
(once gotten to the disadvantage of 100) into some such
p r e e thc s
hands, they may after be disposed to 65, 69, 44, 43, 89, 72,
& f r y e r s, t oo the
19, 24, 84, 37, 70, 79, 44, 70, 71, 73, 49, 50, 85, infinite hurt
of both Church and State. And this later conjecture I
the King,
make bold to tell your cousin 100, and she tells me she will
be wary of it. In the meantime you know how that business
hath hung in the Lady Mora's hands, and unless you or 5,
18, 29, 11, 15, 23 bring it to some end, so it will hang for
ever. I would you could find a way to put it to the King.
z [See above, p. 94.] vol. iv. a letter from Juxon to Wynne,
a [Sir Richard Wynne (of Gwedir) calling on him for a loan of 3,000.'. to
was Treasurer to the Queen. He had the King.]
been one of the Grooms of the Bed- b [This cipher is incorrect. Pro-
chamber to the King, when Prince of bably it was intended to mean
Wales, and in that capacity accom- ' prowling fell[ow] as Winn is hath
panied him to Spain, leaving an set her on.' About Wynne see just
interesting narrative of the journey, above. The Queen's party was certainly
which is printed by Hearne at the desirous of still keeping the tithes
end of the Life of Richard II. He alienated from the Church. See vol.
appears to have had some claim on vi. p. 421.]
the Iinpropriations. (See Strafforde c [This was evidently a mistake
Letters, vol. i. p. 380.) There is in for ' st.' Thc word intended was
Ellis's Original Letters, Third Scries, .'priests.']
LETTERS. ^ 1 07
I pray God you may frustrate Mellerus his acts. And I A. D. 1634.
pray tell the Archbishop of Cashells that I have now written
to you to hasten his cause all that may be, and to do his See
justice, and him favour. But I pray look to him that if he
be once well settled, he prove not as good at it as Mellerus
was.
But however this may be, you say you send me a case
approved by your two Chief Justices for Law, that will make
short work in raising the clergy. I have received it and
shown it to the King. I will cause it to be well considered
of by some lawyers, if I can think whom I may trust; but I
do much doubt whether I were best put it to the Judges here
or not. For the case (I take it) reaches England as well as
Ireland, and I fear so soon as they see that, they will know
presently how many men of quality will be concerned in it,
and how much it will raise the Church, and be very shy what
resolution they give, perhaps worse. But if your Judges be
for it, is it not better to go on upon the case there, and so
let it gather strength by some precedents, that after it may
have your leave to come over into England with more credit?
I pray think of this, and in the meantime I will consult here.
Oh ! now I miss Mr. Noyed. I pray tell Sir George Radcliffe
I thank him, and very heartily, what success soever the thing
have. And for my part I do far .more suspect the malignity
of the time, than the goodness of the cause.
I thank you for all your noble favours to the Provost.
And did you see how I am overlaid with business, and what
little encouragement I have, you would not call in such
haste for the Irish Statutes ; yet thus far I have proceeded :—
I have laid all my advertisements to their proper places.
And the first leisure I have, I will take them into plenary
consideration, and give you an account of them. And did
nothing trouble me more than Drummore's tongue, you
should see me make haste enough. But I pray think of it.
I have no power as Chancellor to alter their statutes. Must I
not be authorised to it under the Broad Seal of this kingdom
or that ? And must not the charter of foundation be helped
in some few things, as well as the statutes ? Give me your
judgment in this.
d [Noye died August 9, 1684. Sec Laud's entry of that date in his Diary.]
108
LETTERS.
A.D. 1634.
Upon pe
rusing of
my Lord
of Berry's
letters, I
guess this
liberty is
granted in
regard of
that plan
tation, that
time being
formerly
granted by
King
James. I
will move
it again if
I can be at
the next
meeting.
Though I
think that
that may
be a good
reason
for confir
mation of
The King hears not yet of Dr. Bruce0, neither do I; but
I have acquainted his Majesty with the case, and I hope you
shall have your desires. Neither hath the Lord Duke of
Lennox moved the King about it. If Dr. Bruce can come
and move, I will to the King again for the Church's sake.
As for the College lease, if it be expired, all is well. I know
no tenant-right. And for the persons, I think Sir Robert
Loftusf may easily prove as good a tenant as Sir John Jeph-
son s ever was, or will be to any Church or College holding.
Is it he that lived sometimes at Plymouth ?
I have done with both your letters ; the other things which
I have to write are but few, and they follow.
The laws transmitted have been viewed by the King's
Council, and some few amendments made. The two greatest
amendments fall upon two Church laws, and I have no skill
in that element, and so may easily consent to a prejudice
before I am aware. But these amendments seem just and
fair. The one is only the adding of an usual salvo to the Act
about things given to charitable uses, as I remember. The
other is a restraint in the Act for confirmation of leases made
by the Lord Primate and other Bishops in Ulster to twenty-
one years, excluding either three lives or any longer time.
And to this I have been as forward as any, and as yet see
no reason to the contrary, why they more than any other
Bishops should let leases for sixty years h. And the caution,
' with the consent of the Lord Deputy and six of the Council/
I for my part like far worse than the thing itself.
One [word] more and then I have done, and 'tis time ; for
I am heartily weary. I am glad you have free leave given
to make your addresses immediate to the King, on which yet
I shall say thus much to you for the good of my master's
the King
service, and your own. Certainly 100 hath a great opinion
Lord Portland
of 105 notwithstanding mora ipsa, and somewhat more. And,
e [See vol. vi. p. 415.]
f [The eldest son of the Lord
Chancellor. He and Sir George
Wentworth married sisters, the daugh
ters of Sir Francis Ruishe. There are
several letters respecting these lands
and the College lease in Rawdon
Papers. See Letters V. VI.]
e [He was knighted in 1603, and
was Major- General, and Privy Coun
cillor in Ireland. He married Eliza
beth, daughter and heiress of Sir
Thomas Norreys. The present repre
sentative of the family is Sir Charles
D. O. Jephson Norreys.]
h [See vol. vi. p. 414.]
LETTERS. 109
Lord Cottington
which is one of the prettiest things in Court, I know 110, being A- D
a great deal the fuller and abler number, cannot endure the
Lady Mora. These janglings are common among women, for grant-
But that which I observe between these great ladies is, J°
Cottington
that 110 is very great with 29., but that's not all. She is as
the Lord Treasurer
great in appearance with 105 too, as when you left England.
And yet I know she hath spoken to myself as bitterly
the Lord Treasurer
against 105 as is possible. This is a mystery that I under-
& the King
stand not. Unless it be that 10, 20, 83, 100 will have it so,
& m a k e s Lord Cottington comply
84, 61, 40, 57, 45, 72, 110, 32, 49, 61, 65, 59, 79, 23,
w i th him service
14, 76, 47, 89, 95, for the better 72, 44, 70, 54, 46, 33, 43,
o f the King. Lord Cottington harsh
50, 36, 100. Sure I am 110 is very often 55, 40, 69, 71, 56,
lyusedby the Lord Treasurer
60, 80, 53, 72, 43, 34, 31, 79, 105, 16, 20, 291. The
matter perhaps is not great in itself (as yet perhaps it is too),
but I would fain know the riddle if I could, for never yet did
I see the like of this.
Now God bless you in your proceeding for the King's
honour, profit, and safety, and the good of that poor Church.
And send you in yourself and yours a happy new year, which
is the hearty prayer of
Your Lordship's
Very loving Friend and faithful Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Jan. 12th, 1634.
Iiecd. Febr. llth.
P.S. I hope now the Articles of England are admitted, you
will not stick at the Canons J. And though some of them
perhaps will not presently fit that Church, yet better it is
that Church should grow up to them, than that such confu
sion should continue as hath hitherto been among them. And
for your book with A and Dk, I have sent it back to you, and
1 [One or two necessary corrections Concilia. Bramhall proposed at first
have been here made in the cipher.] the adoption of all the English Canons,
J [The English Canons were not which the Primate objected to. See
adopted as a whole. But a selection a comparison of the two sets of Canons
was made of them by Bp. Bramhall, in Mant's History of the Irish Church,
and afterwards adopted by the Con- vol. i. p. 497.]
yocation. They are printed in Wilkins' k [Sec above, p. 98.]
110
LETTERS.
A.D. 1634.
I have
looked
again,
though I
was ready
to seal, and
do find it ;
and have
sent to Mr.
Attorney
to speak
with him
about it.
I have seen
the Act,
and do
find our
good bro
ther of
Tuam infi
nitely de
ceived :
surely my
Lord of
Derry hath
put some
trick upon
him ; and
therefore
I do the
more
heartily
beg his
pardon.
with it some sudden animadversions guessing at the reasons
of that reverend Dean's deliberations, or doubtings of those
canons so marked. I remember upon the old observations of
almanacks, the astrological critics make the letter D stand
for dismal day, unlucky to begin any action in. Did the
reverend Dean conceit so of his doubted canons ? But may he
not then deliberate upon the letter D in the name of dean?
Sure he might and did, and caused his dry thirst you speak
of after a bishopric to be rid of the doubtful superstition that
may be in a Dean.
Since I writ this I received a letter from the Archbishop of
Tuam. I send you here enclosed a copy of it. I remember
no such Act among the titles you sent me. And though I
cannot but like well of the thing in general, yet you had need
fear it very well in some of the circumstances, else you will
undo some of the poor bishops there. And if by that example
it come over into England unfenced, some of the best in this
kingdom will not be able to live ; for their rich lands have
been taken from them, and impropriations in great plenty
thrust upon them in exchange — the feather for the goose, and
a fat one too. And howsoever, I heartily pray you I may see
that Act before it pass. But for the Bishop whose letter this
is, I desire you to carry it privately, and not be offended with
him for this intimation to me.
LETTER, CCLXIL
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
WHEN I despatched my last letters to your Lordship I did
not think I had had any kindred in Ireland, but I have since
received this enclosed, which I make bold to send to your
Lordship. It comes from a kinswoman of mine, who (if
her letters misinform me not) was daughter to my mother's
brother1. And her request seeming to me very reasonable, I
1 [She describes herself as Elizabeth,
daughter of Mr. John "Webb, and wife
of Samuel Browne. Her request
related to a grant made to Nicholas
LETTERS. Ill
do heartily pray your Lordship, when the party mentioned in A. D. 1634.
the enclosed shall come to attend you, that you will please to
take notice to him of these few lines which I have written in
his behalf. And whatsoever further lawful favour you shall
be pleased to show him for the expediting of his business, I
shall give you very humble thanks. So I leave him to your
Lordship's nobleness,, and you to the grace of God, ever
resting
Your Honour's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Jan. 19, 1634,
Answd. May 18th, 1635, being bro1.
but immed1? before by the party
recommended.
LETTER CCLX1IL
TO THE LOUD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
8. in Christ o.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE not received any letter from your Lordship since
I sent my last despatch into Ireland, and therefore as the
business of these is not great, so I shall not trouble you long.
Your Lordship may remember a passage in one of my
letters not long since concerning the Bishop of Drummore,
upon occasion of his coming to my house at Lambeth. I
have thought fit to speak with him about the business, and
indeed, my Lord, I must needs say he hath given me satisfac
tion in good measure touching the things that I have been
informed against him.
I do therefore hereby recommend him to your Lordship,
and heartily pray you to take no further notice to him of
Barham (whose son Arthur had Bedchamber. These were most pro-
married her eldest daughter), of a bably Porter and Murray, mentioned
portion of concealed Church livings. above, p. 60, and Strafforde Letters,
Wentworth, as appears from her vol. i. p. 172. This must be the same
petition, required the surrender of Mrs. Browne mentioned in Laud's
the patent, on the ground that a letter to Bramhall, August 11, 1638.
similar patent had been granted to (vol. vi. p. 532.)]
certain Gentlemen of the King's
112 LETTERS.
,.D. 1631. anything contained in my former letters, than that I myself
am satisfied ; and therefore, I pray, be pleased to receive
and respect him as a friend of mine. Thus wishing you all
happiness, I leave you to the grace of God, and rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W.'CANT.
Lambeth, Feb. 10th, 1634.
Eecd. Ap. 26, by the BP. of
Drummore.
LETTER CCLXIV.
TO JOHN DURYm.
[Swedish Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Chris to.
LlTERAS ad me datas a dilectis in Christo fratribus in
Palatinatu Electorali, Bipontino, Hassia et alibi in Germariia
degentibus accepi manu tua traditas. Ex illis intelligo, quam
sedulo operam navasti circa pacem ecclesisc reconciliandam,
et quales in re fecisti sub auxilio Dei progressus. Perge pede
fausto, et quod restat (quod adhuc fere totum est) secundum
Deum animosus aggredere. Ego certe quam primum spem
de pace reformatarum ecclesiarum conceptam audivi, perfusus
sum gaudio, nee desunt preces mese quotidiance obsidentes
Deum pacis, ut spem qualem-qualem messis tarn gloriosas, tarn
frugiferse ad maturitatem perduceret. Quodque in me erit,
dum fata sinunt, omni labore contendam, ne operi Christiano
nomine tarn digno deesse videar. Quin et probe scio ecclesise
Anglicanse opus hoc gratissirnum fore. Publice tamcn ut
aliquid hie agatur, in loco a partibus inter se dissidentibus
tarn remoto, nee venia datur, nee ansa quse satis prudenter
accipi potest adhnc videtur exhibcri. Velim iiihilominus ut
ab incepto opere non desistas, et quum tern pus erit, me et
tui, et conatus tarn sancti fautorem videbis. Onera interim
quse me premunt varia sunt, et talia quse excutere nequeo ;
sed salutes, quaeso, in Domino fratres, quotquot ubivis inve-
m [This letter is of the same date intended as a reply to the Calvinists,
and of the same tenor as the one to as the other was an answer to the
John Dury, printed vol. vi. p. 410, but Lutherans.]
LETTERS. 113
neris pacis Christiana solicitos, prsecipue egregios illos theo- A.D. 1634.
logos, qui me literis suis, charitate simul et eruditione plenis,
salutarunt. Quinetiam meo nomine eos exoratos velim, ne
exspectent singuli singulas literas, quas certe prse multitudine
negotiorum prorsus mihi impossibile est reddere. De amore
meo, et in omni causa Christi fideli diligentia certi sint,
secundum gratiam mihi datam. Reliqua Deo commendo, sub
Deo tibi illisque gravissimis viris, quibus pro vicinitate loci,
tumultu et bellis foedati, pax magis necessaria videri debet.
Vale, et Deus pacis secundet opera tua, et fratrum in Christo,
&c. Amicissimi vobis,
GUIL. CANT.
Dat. ex ^Edibus Lambethanis,
10 Febr. 1634.
Viro Doctissimo Johanni Durie.
LETTER CCLXV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
THE third passage in your letter is all in cipher, and I
thank you for it heartily. 'Tis indeed secretissima instructio,
yet give me leave to tell you, and that under protestation of
truth, that it is no more than I ever thought, save only for
Cottington
one passage, and that is one and many, for it is of 110 and
the openness of so many men to almost as many as them-
the Lord Treasurer,
selves, namely, to 105. For I confess, though I did not think
these centuries did communicate very many things to each
other, yet I did not think the greater number did acquaint
the less with everything they did in arithmetic. But enough
of this, save only that I shall add 19, 12, 17, 28, 24,
Laud
9, 3, 7, and remember that 102 tells me that they will all keep
right as far as they can to public ways, and would have you
the Lord Deputy
tell so much before 130 of the wildest Irish you can meet11.
n [The rest of the letter of this The paragraph here printed occurs
date, Lambeth, March 4, 1634, is immediately after the words ' the wit*
printed in vol. vi. pp. 414 — 417. nesses are at hand/]
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP. I
114 LETTERS.
LETTER CCLXVI.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH °.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I AM glad the Primate is so well satisfied with the pre
ferment of the Bishop of Femes P; but more, that you will
make him restore the Lease (let to himself) to the Deanery
of Limerick. I see you are as good at administering vomits
as ere you were.
The Statute of Wills and Uses shall he of benefit enough
now, and we will see it in time more ; but you must pardon
women if they see not all at first ; the Lady Mora then
swaying the rest as much as she could.
From this passage you are pleased to go to a great expres
sion of your obligation to me. My Lord, I heartily thank
you for it. It is much beyond my services to you, but I pray
assure yourself thus much, — fail not you the King and the
Church, and if I fail you, I'll fail myself. And I am con
fident God will bless you for the good you have done to his
poor Church there.
But that this fool in Femes should in the pulpit commend
the times, because after long expectation he had got prefer
ment, I protest I would not believe it were other than your
own drollery, but. that you swear the words.
The tallow at last is slipt out of their fingers, and is quite
left out of the contract for soap, as you will hear from Mr.
Secretary. So that fear is over. And though the commodity
stink excellently, yet dulcis odor lucri, &c.
But wot you what? The new soapmakers have taken
in the old, and old soap is sold again. They are one corpo
ration. So the King hath his money, and all is well if it
Will hold. the Treasury
I answer nothing to the stillness of 105, which you hold
to be worse than an open quarrel. So did I once, but do not
now; for though 105 be a great number to be together in
so little a room, yet they are all now exceeding quiet.
0 [This letter is a reply to Went- P [George Andrews, the Dean of
worth's letter of March 10. (See Limerick, mentioned frequently
Strafforde Letters, vol. i. pp. 378, seq.)] before. ]
LETTERS. 115
Here I must tell you some news, if now it be news. The A.D. 1635.
Lord Treasurer is deacK The Lord Privy Sealr, the Lord Cot-
tington, both the Secretaries s and myself, are in Commission
for the Exchequer*. What we shall find there I know not in
particular, but sure I am a hard estate. This use I hope howso
ever to make of it — that the Impropriations shall come no
more into the Lady Mora's hands ; for I will do all that is to be
done, to see an end of it, while I have some power. Here is also
the Lord Treasurer
a speech that 105 died a Roman Catholic, and many are very
confident. But I will write no more about Impropriations,
till I can say somewhat is done, or will not be at all.
The Archbishop of Cashell's cause is as like himself as the
Lady Mora was to the Exemplar u.
I cry you mercy : I did not remember when I writ this,
that you say he lost it through his own folly. Well, you have
sent me a copy of a letter to be signed, by which you may
have power to call him to the Council Board.
This letter you shall have, and I hope here enclosed. But Mr. Secre-
here I must tell you a tale. '
I acquainted the King in private with all this before we closed it
came to the Irish Committee. At the Committee I moved
the Church business as the King directed me, and himself
was present.
When I came to the occasion of this letter, the Archbishop
Cottington
of CashelFs cause and the letter itself, I had 110 against it.
No less ! And they all thought it was better to refer it
to the Chancery. I well hoped that poor Church had not
had so many enemies. But 'tis no matter, here was discovery
without any hurt, for we shall have our letter.
The case Sir George Kadcliffe sent is not forgotten or
neglected by me. It is at present in some good lawyers'
hands, and so soon as I can get any resolution fit to send,
you shall have it.
I thank you for the Provost, and am sorry the Primate,
i [Richard Weston, Earl of Port- • [Coke and Windebank.]
land, died March 13, 163£. See an * [See Laud's entry in his Diary,
account of his death in Garrard's letter March 14, 163$.]
to Wentworth. (Strafforde Letters, * [Portland, the late Lord Treasurer,
vol. i. p. 389.)] was the exemplar of the ' Lady Mora.'
r [Henry Montagu, the Earl of See below, p. 129.]
Manchester.]
12
116 LETTERS.
A.D. 1035. who hath otherwise so much worth in him, is so stiff in those
things, which breed in him dislike of right good men, and
perhaps of better judgment, though less fearing than himself.
But for the Statutes, I am in hand with them, the King
will [give] me my powers for it. And I shall also take their
charter into consideration. Only, good my Lord, remember
I grow old, and yet now my business multiplies upon me>
being now at once called into three troublesome Committees,
that of Trade, the Foreign, and the Exchequer7. And ergo,
give me leave to make such haste as I can. For the proro
gation of the Parliament, it is resolved against, and there
fore w I will not dispute it further. If any other occasion
give in evidence to the goodness of your counsels, you will
have both honour and comfort in your obedience ; but I
hope all will go well, and then it is the less material which is
better.
I am glad the Earl of Cork's Tomb is down, and I doubt
not but you will see the Altar raised to his place again, and
the wall made handsome behind it. But the making of it up
like marchpanes in boxes, argues he will set it up no more in
that church, where it had such mean welcome. Yet I am
not of your mind, that it is going down to any christening ;
for no Christianity ever set a tomb there. I rather think 'tis
sent to be set up at Lismore or Youghal, where he hath been
so great a benefactor x. the King
But indeed I do believe with you, that 19, 27, 7, and 100
did understand the Lady Mora in the margin ; but then
I must infinitely commend their candour; for my answer was
taken, and all was well. The truth is, I was sorry afterwards
that I did not tell them plainly who.
I have of late been forced to say more than that, and
the King
to 100 when they were all together.
For the Earl of Cork's cause in the Castle Chamber, the
sooner it is brought to an end the better. And if it be sen
tenced in Trinity term next, it is a miracle to me who sit to
v [See entries in Diary, February in St. Patrick's Cathedral, though in
5, March 14, and 16.] a different position. The Earl erected
w [In original ' go ' an abbreviation another tomb for himself in the Church
for ' ergo.'] at Youghal.]
* [It was eventually put up again
LETTERS. 117
see the infinite delays that hang upon all causes of the A. D. 1635.
King's in the Star Chamber here. Witness the cause of
your old friend the Bishop of Lincoln ; who is infinitely
beholden, as I am by many hands informed, to the Lady
Lord Cottington Lord Cottington
Mora, and 110 of her waiting maids. And this I know 110
the King
did lately make means to 100 about him ; and when it will
come to hearing, God knows.
Concerning your subsidies I will say nothing yet, but only
in private to the King. You are freed from all fear about
the Lord Treasurer Cottington
them forasmuch as concerns 105 ; but I doubt what 110
may do.
I have of late had much cause to consider that number,
the rather because 20, 28, 5, 9, 15 y, and all their fellows,
have great dependence upon it. So herein my thoughts and
your advice agree.
I hope the King hath seen enough, and that he will not
fail in the great maxim to make all his Ministers immediate
dependers upon himself.
I am sorry the Bishopric of Femes is so spurgalled. And
yet were it not more for the Church's sake than the private,
I should think it well enough and good enough for him that
rides it. But I think your Lordship is much deceived about
the Sermon he made. Lean I make no doubt it was, I dare
swear it by the letters he writes. But the cause of that lean
ness was not Lent (for they are so all the year if he make
them), but a proportion which he naturally holds with his
preferment. And yet I must tell you, my late predecessor
(as Dean Andrews writ to me himself) had a great opinion of
him. I for my part, though I think the Dean writ truth,
cannot but wonder at it, because you know what a worthy
preacher my predecessor was.
I'll promise you, though my legs be short, yet my steps
shall be thick.
Concerning the Canons, either I gave your Lordship or my
Lord of Derry an account in my last letter, and therefore shall
not repeat here. But if my Lord Primate be so earnest for
some difference, you may see out of what fountain it came that
y [Probably an error for '115,' the cipher for Secretary Windebank.]
118 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. the English Articles passed with such difficulty. And what
hurt were it more that the Canons of the Church should be
the same, than it is that the Laws are the same ?
. For the Archbishop of Tuam, I hope that you have forgiven
him, and then it is no matter for his troubling either himself
or me, I will spend no more time on him,
It was a slip certainly in Secretary Coke, that you had not
Here is a letter containing his Majesty's allowance and approbation of
but if it is' your proceedings about the admission of the English Articles,
enough ^ ^ave move^ ^e King again. So you shall have it as fast as
send me a I can get Mr. Secretary to make it ready. Though I think
yourself vou negd not fear Mr. Prynn or his mousetraps, yet let me
would have tell you that, now the Lord Treasurer is dead, here begin new
hopes of a Parliament, though they do but mutter under
hand.
Concerning Barr's complaint, I took occasion to read that
whole passage of your letter to the King. The King was very
well pleased with it all.
Two things only he seemed a little to touch at for your
satisfaction. The one was, he protested Barr did not deliver
it as a complaint against you ; nay, that he disclaimed it ;
but only as a proposition for his advantage, unless, perhaps,
there was cunning in it to infuse his complaint the easier
that way. As I doubt there was, and so I told his Majesty.
The other was, where you say Barr made offer to farm the
Customs at one thousand pounds more than the now farmers
give ; the King replied (if my memory deceive me not), that
Barr offered six thousand pounds more. And if that were so,
and could be made good, then your philosophizing about the
present farmers' fine of eight thousand pounds is of much
the less strength. But for your desire in the end of it, the
King commanded me to give you all assurance, that whatso
ever any man shall seek to charge upon you, nothing shall
fasten in his royal breast, till you be called, and they be proved,
which are the just desires yourself make to him.
So I have done with your letters ; and all the business
which I can make ready for this return. Here is one little
business concerning myself. The Vicarage of Rochdale, in
Lancashire, is in my gift. The Impropriation is likewise
mine* A marvellous great cure it is, and the country wild.
LETTERS. 119
Complaint is brought unto me, and somewhat loud, that the A.D. 1635.
Vicar, Mr. Tilston, or Tilsley, or some such name, is gone
over into Ireland to attend your service z. Good my Lord,
do me the favour to prefer him there, or send him back.
For since the King hath publicly declared he will not suffer
any Irish bishop to hold a commendam in England, I know
you will not think it fit any under a bishop should hold
preferment there and here ; especially with cure of souls.
Besides, your Lordship knows how apt the world hath been,
and yet is, to throw dirt in my face, though it be such as
comes off of other men's feet.
Dr. Osborne, one of the Prebends of Salisbury, was my
ancient [friend] in Oxford, and of good note there*. He is
an earnest suitor to me that I would write to your Lordship
in the behalf of his nephew, Sir Richard Osborne. There is
a suit betwixt him and the Earl of Cork. All that the
Doctor asks of me, or I of your Lordship, is, that you will
see the Knight may have the justice and equity of his cause.
And I pray, if Sir Richard Osborne come in your way, be
pleased to let him know his Uncle's care of him.
I pray excuse me to my Lord of Derry, for at this time
I must leave his letter without an answer. Yet you may
please to tell him, I now hope extremely well of the Impro-
priations, and that I will riot forget his clause if I gain the
letters. "Tis time to end. I would you did see how I am
moiled. And yet at the present I do ill to complain unto
you, who this Parliament time have much more work ; but
then God hath blessed you with more strength and greater
abilities to be the master of it. To whose blessed protection
I leave you, and shall ever show myself
Your Lordship's
Very true Friend and humble Servant,
W. CANT.
March 27, 1635.
Kec. Apr. 21.
1 [Henry Tilson was appointed Vicar a [William Osborne was Fellow of
of Rochdale in 1615. He went with All Souls, and Proctor in 1599. At
Wentworth into Ireland, and was by this time he was a Canon Residentiary
him appointed Dean of Christ Church of Salisbury, and Prebendary of the
in Dublin, and afterwards Bishop of stall of Ghardstock.]
Elphin.]
J 20 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635.
LETTER CCLXVII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.j
Sal. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I SHALL write now to your Lordship in haste, and very
briefly. And first, I shall hope that by your next letters
you will be pleased to give me an account concerning Mr.
Tilston, or Mr. Tilsley, Vicar of Rochdale, in Lancashire,
about whom I wrote in my last letter to youb. Next, I
shall give your Lordship an account what I have done
concerning Dr. Bruce in the business of your Chaplain0.
After I understood, by Sir Henry Martin and Sir John
Lambe, that there was nothing in Dr. Bruce' s cause legally
to hinder Dr. Bruce's appeal into England ; and after the
King's advocate had assured me that appeals into England
were frequent, and never denied the subjects of Ireland, in
causes either ecclesiastical or civil, I went to the King,
and told him that the gross sacrilege and simony of that
kingdom could never be remedied, if appeals in such cases
might be made into England, to spend out the prosecutors
with extreme charge and delay. The King was very appre
hensive of this, and commanded me to speak with the civil
lawyers again, and with the Lord Keeper about it, that
his Lordship might stop the delegates here, and grant a,
commission to delegates in Ireland. When we came to sit
down and consider of this — first, we could not find that any
Bishop in Ireland had a good and sufficient lawyer for his
Chancellor. So my Lord Keeper was to seek for men of
b [See above, p. 119.] reason for this living being vacant,
c [This probably has reference to which was not ascertained when that
the living of Taboine, which Dr. Bruce note was written, would thus become
seems to have obtained by simony. apparent.]
See vol. vi. p. 538, note '. The
LETTERS. 1 21
that profession whose learning was most necessary and proper A.D. 1635.
for the present business.
Upon this, his Majesty's precise command to your Lord
ship is, first, that a general charge be given to all Arch
bishops and Bishops of that his kingdom, that hereafter
they choose no Chancellor, but such an one as hath been a
graduate in the Civil and Canon Laws. And that there be
an Act of State made for it accordingly.
And, secondly, that such Chancellors of Bishops as are
now found grossly corrupt, or insufficient, be called into the
High Commission, and removed, unless they will prevent it
by resignation of their places d.
Next, we found that the Judge of the Prerogative Court
of Armagh, which, should be a prime man for that law in
that kingdom, had no better breeding than to be an Attorney
at Common Law, and so altogether unable and unfit to dis
charge that place e.
And my Lord Keeper saith expressly, that a patent
for an office of skill granted to insufficients is absolutely
void.. If this be so, I think you shall do well to begin
with him.
Upon the whole matter, we found that there hath been no
calling of Dr. Bruce into question : no proof made against
him, of the simony, be it never so plain ; which must be, by
all law.
That all your proceedings hitherto have been upon a
superinstitution, which I hold to be the most odious abuse
of ecclesiastical jurisdiction that a Bishop can commit.
Besides, it is against the law of nature ; for it hangs a man
first, and tries his cause after. And I do punish it here, in
the High Commission, as oft as it comes in my way, and
therefore cannot countenance it there. And further, we all
agree, that it is now altogether vain and fruitless to grant a
Commission to Delegates in Ireland, upon this cause as it
thus stands, for no delegate that understands himself can go
against Bruce upon the grounds.
Therefore, this must be your way. Let your superinstitu
tion fall. Pll cause the Commission of Delegates to be
d [See Bedell's complaint of the e [This person was Mr. Hilton,
character of his Chancellor, vol. vi. Archbishop Ussher's brother-in-law,
p. 281.] (See below, p. 142.)]
122 LETTEllS.
A.D. 1635. superseded, and then do you presently proceed against Bruce
in the High Commission, and then your proofs being plain
and easy, he will soon be legally deprived of his benefice, and
you may then institute your Clerk, and so all will be direct
and fair.
One difficulty more there is, and that is concerning a
Statute made in the time of Queen Elizabeth, against simony.
This Statute, we conceive, is not in force in Ireland ; and if it
be not, then you may proceed against a simoniacal Incumbent,
and by proof deprive him. But the King cannot give the
benefice, but it returns to the patron to besto\v. To help this
difficulty and strengthen your proceedings, you shall here
enclosed receive a letter from the King, to enact that Statute
if there be time left.
You shall likewise receive a letter from his Majesty, for
the settlement of the Impropriations which are remaining in
the King upon the Church, according to the way proposed by
your referees there. And with that clause which the Bishop
of Derry's letter mentioned to me, if Mr. Secretary Coke
hath not forgotten it ; for both the Committee and the King
granted it. So speedy an end may business have when the
Lady Mora is not in the way.
A letter also will come to give you thanks for the care you
took about the settling of the English Articles, and the way
which you hold therein. I think I sent you a letter to this
purpose in my last return ; but since Secretary Coke thinks
no, you were better have it twice than not at all.
I have also now received a letter from his Majesty, giving
me power to alter the Statutes of the College at Dublin; and
I shall proceed in that work as fast as I can. But I never
had such small shreds of time to spare as now 1 have.
My Lord, I am earnestly desired by the Lord Conway to
recommend to your Lordship's care, and goodness, a young
gentleman, Mr. Daniel O'Neile, of the province of Ulster, in
Ireland, whose improvident father parted with a great estate
there, very fondly, and so hath left this young man (being,
as his Lordship saith, one of very good parts), with a little
fortune. Whether the young man be yet gone into Ireland
from hence or not, I cannot tell But I pray, my Lord,
when he resorts to you, let him know that I have acquainted
LETTERS. 123
your Lordship with him and his fortune. And then, for the A.D. 1635,
rest, I leave your Lordship to do what in your own judgment
shall be fittest.
So I leave you to the grace of God, and rest
Your Lordship's
Very loving Friend to honour and serve you,
W. CANT.
April 20th, 1635.
Ilec. 28th.
LETTER CCLXVIII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTW011T1I.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
Salutem in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I WRIT so lately to your Lordship., that I have no busi
ness for this letter, but his that bears it. This gentleman,
Mr. Floud, made means to me by the Earl of Rutland f (whom
the Earl acknowledges to be his kinsman), that he might be
the Prince's Chaplain, not in ordinary, or with thought to
continue here, but only for his better countenance in Ireland.
Your Lordship knows my way reasonable well in these busi
nesses. The King as yet names the Prince's Chaplains ;
and I dare not adventure my credit with the King, till I
hear from you concerning him, what opinion there is there
of his worth and sufficiency. But if I shall receive good
testimony of him from your Lordship, I shall then be
emboldened to speak more freely, and to effect for him, if I
can, that which he desires ; the rather, because I understand
both from the Earl and himself that he is kin to your Lady.
He tells me he is to proceed Bachelor in Divinity this year,
which I should have hardly judged by his aspect, for he
seems much younger. If he take his degree, you may easily
then inform yourself of his worth, and take care of him
accordingly.
And this letter, proceeding from the motion of the Earl
1 [George Manners, seventh Earl of Eutland.]
124 LETTERS.
A.D. ]635. of Rutland, puts me in mind of my Lady-Duchess of
Buckingham g, who, since Easter last, hath married herself
to the Lord of Dunluce, son to the Earl of Antrim, in
Ireland, by which she hath done herself much prejudice,
both with the King and everybody else h ; yet I must needs
say she hath dealt very nobly with her children as could be
expected. And for his sake that is gone, the children's and
her own, I cannot but continue all my wonted respects unto
her, this which she hath done being but a piece of woman's
frailty, and which men as well as women are oftentimes too
subject unto.
This letter is grown into more length than I expected, but
this particular coming into my thoughts, I could not but
express my sense of it to you.
So, with thanks for all your love to me, I leave you to the
grace of God, and rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, April 21, 1635.
Rec. June 3rd.
LETTER CCLXIX.
TO THE LOUD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
Sal. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
YOUR brother calls upon me for a letter, and I have
nothing to write until your letters come, and minister me
new occasion, yet methinks I should not send him away
empty. These are therefore to chide for not sending word
sooner how it is with you in health, since you could not but
know that I as well as your other friends had heard you
were fallen into the stone and the gout both at once ; and
« [The Duchess was niece to the favour of Lord Dunluce, who was
Earl of Rutland.] only nine years old, when the Duchess
h [There must have been a con- contracted her first marriage.]
siderable difference in their ages, in
LETTERS. 125
I hope you think I have some care of your health as well A. D. 1635.
as they.
Yet since I am writing, Fll tell you a tale. There
happened a little warmness between some of your friends,
and they were so many of either side as might have done
hurt, but the crossing ceased well, and in time. There were
Laud Lord Cottington
102 of one opinion, and 110 of another1. The contro
versy was about the King's service, and the smaller
number did think (and as I hear do still), that the King
had been ill dealt withal, and in some things of moment
had been cozened ; which made the greater number startle
extremely, as patient as their outside seems, and could not
but speak of it after to other men in a very great passion.
I heard of this at the Committee, and you cannot but
think that the King hath been made acquainted with it.
Laud
And I know it is so. But 102 were very confident, for
though it were hard, if not impossible, to prove particulars,
yet the general by the sums compared was so evident, as
they thought that nothing could be more plain ; saving
that 8, 29, 16, 19, 3, 24, 15, 11, 12 k were wanting. I
am called away to the Foreign Committee, therefore fare
you well, and God bless you with health, and contentment,
which cannot be by any man that serves here in my way,
and is able to see so much and remedy so little. 1 charge
you upon your filial obedience to take no notice of this
tale to any man till you hear further from me, for I must
not be accounted a blab in this kind, but rest
Your very faithful and affectionate
Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, April 28, 1635.
Recd. May 7, by Sir Geo. Wentworth.
1 [See entry in Diary for May, ton and myself.']
June, and July of this year: 'The k [Probably these figures, which,
troubles at the Commission for the being all under 30, are thrown in as
Treasury, and the difference which blinds and deceptions, may here
happened between the Lord Cotting- indicate ' nothing.']
126 LETTERS.
A. D. 1035.
LETTER CCLXX.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUK MAJESTY,
I HAVE received two letters from your Highness, both
to give me thanks for my charity and kindness to the dis
tressed estate of the ministers of the Palatinate l. I would
I were as able to help, as I am apt to pity you. The first
of your letters was in your own hand, and I humbly thank
your Majesty for that honour done me. The other (sent
by Sir Robert Anstruther m) tells me your ague had shaken
your pen out of your own hand into your secretary's.
And I assure your Majesty I am nothing so sorry for my
want of your pen, as for your want of your health; which
yet I hope before this time is returned unto you. I am
putting the collection for the Palatinate into the safest
and speediest way I can, and shall not fail to further it
with my best endeavours. And whereas your Majesty is
pleased to express your joy that the King, my gra
cious master, hath assumed me into the councils of his
foreign affairs11, I take myself bound, and do give your
Majesty humble and hearty thanks for that your gracious
expression of me. I shall never want zeal and fidelity to
my master's service, and for the rest God make me able.
And confident I am, that the more careful I show myself
of the King's honour, the more I shall be enabled to serve
your Majesty and yours. I humbly take my leave.
Your Majesty's to be commanded.
Lambeth, May 2, ] 635.
1 [The letters for the distressed known negotiator, had been recently
ministers of the Palatinate were employed at an assembly of the
issued May 8. See vol. vi. p. 417. On German princes at Frankfort. See
the subject of this brief, and the above, pp. 73, 87.]
Queen's acknowledgment of Laud's n [Laud had been admitted into
kindness, see vol. iv. p. 312.] the Foreign Committee on March
m [Sir Robert Anstruther, a well- 16. See Diary, March 16, 1634.]
LETTERS. 127
A.i>. 1635.
LETTER CCLXXI.
TO THE ELECTOR PALATINE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HIGHNESS,
I HUMBLY thank you for the great honour done me by
your noble and kind letters. 'Tis true I gave the cause
of the ministers of the Palatinate all the assistance I was
able. It was an act of charity in itself, and I held myself
bound to do it, but did not look upon any other end but
their relief. The noble acceptance of so small endeavours,
both from the Queen (whom I ever honoured) and your
self, makes me happy in the performance of a duty.
And that you will not forget it, is favour enough for me
ever to remember. I pray God bless you, to whose pro
tection for yourself and fortunes I heartily recommend you,
and rest
Your Highness's humble and affectionate Servant,
W. C.
Lambeth, May 2, 1635.
LETTER CCLXXII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I COMPLAINED in my last letters to your Lordship, sent
by your brother, that I wanted matter to write, because your
letters were not come.
That day they came, but I, that had then matter, had no
time to write. So your brother had the empty letter, and
here after it comes one that is fuller.
The course which you have held for the levying and taxing
of the subsidies hath been as wise as fortunate. And for my
128 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. part, I think the wisdom led in the fortune. I do not know
what answer you can have to it, but thanks proportionable
to a great service ; and I hope you shall have it from a better
pen, — the Secretary being very careful of this and all your
despatches.
I think your advice concerning the Lord Willmot0 is ex
ceeding good, and I shall pursue it at the Committee till I
can see a better given, which till I see, I shall hardly believe
possible.
You must But whereas you write that, for your own ease and my
this slip, fuller understanding, you have caused the King's learned
for writing Counsel to draw up the case, and that you have sent it me
in haste, *
I took up under their hands ; I find no such paper enclosed. And
catedtoPSe- ^low ** should leap out without breaking your seals, I do not
cretary know ; unless, perhaps, it had some of the Lady Purbeck's
answered artj wno was taken by my warrant and committed to the
this pas- Gate-house, but to avoid penance got out of her chamber
it had been and the prison, leaving the doors locked. Yet I do not
letter. °Wn think she Sot out of the key-hole i.
'Tis excellent news that you have brought the Commons
house to such an orderly consideration of the King's debts
there. And you shall do very providently (but I hope it is
clone already) to get the order of the house in writing set unto
you. I doubt not then but that you will do duty, and avoid
all danger. If the now Bishop of Femes would lend me some
of his old ends of gold and silver, how I would pay you out of
Tully and Seneca all that I owe you, and more.
For the transporting of wrool into France, I am clear the
mischief will be great which will come thereby to the clothing
of England. And as clear it is that you cannot stop it there,
if we on this side concur not with your endeavours.
But to deal freely with you, I do not think the conference
with the customers will do the work. For the truth is, Scot
land is too open in that kind, and we cannot shut it. And
the openness of that door lays the North of England too
open also. But for the judgment which I have of the
0 [This refers to some Crown Lands despatch of April 7. (See Strafforde
which that lord was accused of holding Letters, ibid.)]
in his possession. (See Strafforde « [See the details of this story, vol.
Letters, vol. i. p. 401.)J iii. p. 394.]
P [This was a duplicate of the
LETTERS. 129
business, it is this. I think somewhat,, and that to purpose, A. D. 1635.
must be done, or our clothing trade will suffer.
For when I see wool and fullers' earth transported, taxes
and taxes put upon our cloth in foreign parts, the Dutch
diligent to gain the handicraft of it for their poorer sort, I
cannot expect any good of it.
I hope this admonition of yours will waken some that sleep
too much upon these things, whereas the loss may far more
easily be prevented than recovered.
I am heartily sorry you have lien in so long from the 4th
of March to the 13th April. God bless your upsitting : I
hope you have had some good gossiping therewhile. As for
the Bishops of Ulster, they are happy men, and I am glad, and
so may they be, that you have stuck so close unto them r. Con
cerning Dr. Bruce, and that business of his, I have written
at large unto you what is conceived of it here, both by the
Lord Keeper and the civilians, and till I can receive answer
to that, it is in vain for me to say more upon the course you
now move. And, therefore, for this business I refer myself
to those my former letters. me
I do easily believe that all which you writ to 102 con-
the Treasurership Lord Cottington
cerning 105 and 110 is most true. And I have of late seen
Lord Cottington
more into the disposition of 110, since the death of his lady,
the Lady Mora8, than ever I did before; and perhaps into
his thoughts concerning myself. a
Yet I confess truly I did not know [it] was as you write, 40,
m i g h t y e and a d e t e r
61, 46, 38, 55, 73, 79, 45, 17, 84, 23, 42, 34, 43, 73, 44, 69,
mined malice
62, 48, 64, 44, 35, 29, 17, 19, 61, 41, 60, 47, 32, 45,
the Lord Deputy
against 130 and her children. Yet I did believe there was
malice enough against her. For yourself, you may now go on
the Lord Deputy
cheerfully, and I shall wish you to give 130 no discourage-
the Lord Treasurer
ment, and yet you may leave her to herself. Certainly 105
75, 41, 71, 28, 4% 17, very 56, 43, 40, 53, 46, 45, 27, 19,
r [See above, p. 108.] been originally intended for the Earl
• [The Lady Mora must then have of Portland.]
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APR
130 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. block einyourwa ye
31, 60, 50, 32, 57, 45, 48, 63, 79, 50, 54, 70, 76, 41, 80, 44.
But I wonder not at it. For the same block lay in my way
too, when I could have wished it otherwise. And whereas
Laud
you write that you are of opinion that 102 is, in this par-
your Lordship
ticular, of the same mind with 130, were it possible her inward
thoughts might be read ; I shall deal clearly with your Lord
ship what I have heard her say. I heard 102 profess more
than once that she did verily believe 29, 1 7, 20, 23, 13, 9, 1 1, 14, 5
all this and more, and that she believes it still. But for the
thoughts of her heart I am not fully acquainted with them,
yet I think in this she dissembles not with me. Nor certainly
Ireland England
will things go the worse for 170 and 127, or with them, for
this Writ of Remove.
I humbly thank your Lordship for your love in the business
with Sir William Rives*. I have sent to the President11 to
consider of the worth of the land, and I find that twenty years'
purchase will be very dear ; because, quite contrary to his
speech to your Lordship, I am informed no penny more can
ever be raised upon it. And if it could, a college is not
the fittest to do it. But the President desires some time
to think of it; and I am glad he doth so, because it con
tinues with your advice. In the meantime I pray thank
Sir William for his kindness, and let him know I have sent
word to that College whose business it is. And so soon as
I hear from them any resolution he shall not fail to hear it
from me.
I heartily thank you for Croxton, and am sorry your
gout is so self-willed that, notwithstanding all my orders
against it at Lambeth v, it should follow you with so much
malice. And I am the more sorry a great deal, because
having now made such a seizure upon you, it will return
and visit you oftener than you will bid it welcome. And
if it do so, it will prove tedious and troublesome to your
active spirit.
I have been informed of Mr. Atherton's casew, and moved
1 [See vol. vi. pp. 415, 424.] v [See voi. vi. p. 4i6.]
u [Dr. Richard Baylie.] w [This was for permission to hold
LETTERS. 131
for his dispensation, and I gave my Lord Chancellor of Ire- A. D. 1635.
land a true accompt of his Majesty's answer, and (I think) of
my own judgment also. I confess I have received very good
testimony heretofore of the man, his merits in the Church,
and the pains and charge he hath been at to recover to the
Church. But your Lordship will remember that I ever
craved leave with all freedom (which is the way I have ever
gone with my honourable friends) to dissent where my
judgment or conscience goes against anything that is desired
of me ; and no man shall give his friends more latitude in the
same case than I shall. And in this, both my judgment and
my conscience, as they stand yet informed, are against it.
My judgment, because it will be of evil and scandalous ex
ample to hold different preferments, especially such as have
not cure, in divers kingdoms, and the King hath declared
against it for Bishops' commendams. My conscience, be
cause they which live at that distance seldom or never look
after the cure which they have left behind them. And, for
my part, I am confident if this once gets footing in Ireland,
we shall have it fall into practice in Scotland too, and the
Church of England made a stale to both. This is to my
remembrance the only thing in which your judgment and
mine have differed, and you must not quarrel with me for it,
for I shall leave you as free as I mean to keep myself.
This case of Mr. Atherton's, and that which follows in your
letters concerning Mr. Michael Wandesford, comes all to one.
And, therefore, cannot receive a different answer. I confess,
the allowance you mention here for a curate is very good
during the time of his absence at Limerick ; but the ground
is still the same. And I cannot but hold it (as I know it will
be reputed) very scandalous to hold preferments in two king
doms. I profess to your Lordship I am heartily sorry I
cannot concur with you in this. And would you hear me, I
should think this the far better way, — make him Dean of
Limerick, and fit him there with something else so soon as it
falls, and give him such delay in this as may carry this year's
harvest (if not the next also) into his barns before he need
a stall in Christ Church Cathedral, shire. John Atherton was afterwards
Dublin, with his benefice in Somerset- nominated Bp. of Waterford.]
K2
132 LETTERS.
A. D. ]635. leave his benefice. If this you like not, I cannot tell what to
say, till I hear again from you. And by your good leave, I
think it would make more men of worth look over thither if
they might be wholly provided for there, and not be divided
between two kingdoms.
Since the English Canons are received in substance, I care
not much for the form. And one passing good thing we have
got by it, besides the placing of the altar at the east end, and
that is a passing good canon about confession x.
Neither is it any wonder to me, that know the man, that
the Primate should be so earnest in such a trifle. As for the
name of Jesus, since they will have no joint in their knees to
honour Him, they may get the gout in the knees not to serve
themselves y. I doubt, if the truth were known, you to humour
the place and time have forborne your duty in public in that
behalf. And if you have I shall wish the gout may continue
in your knee till you be better minded to honour Jesus
with it.
And see the spite of it. Here is at this very instant a book
come to my hands from your friends at Amsterdam, against
bowing at the name of Jesus. If I do send it you, I hope
you will make good use of it ; and out of that get strength
enough to confirm your brethren that refuse the Bowing
Canon.
For Mr. Garrat2 you write handsomely; and for all youra
in good faith at the end of that paragraph, I see your mean
ing through your lines. I make as little doubt as your Lord
ship of his honesty in his place. I have known him long.
But whether good company (which he likes well) will let him
be as vigilant for" the thrift, and careful for the government
of that house as is requisite, I am not infinitely confident.
x [See Irish Canons, Canon xix. 14th of April, to request him to use
Wilkins' Concilia, vol. iv. p. 501.] his interest with the Archbishop to
y [The 18th English Canon, which obtain for him the reversion of the
directs that, ' When in the time of Mastership of the Charter House.
Divine Service the Lord Jesus shall (See Strafforde Letters, vol. i. pp.
be mentioned, due and lowly reverence 361, 412.) He obtained the appoint-
shall be done by all persons,' was ment in March 163|-, on the death of
not adopted by the Irish Convo- Sir Robert Dallington, having been
cation.] previously ordained Deacon by Bp.
z [This was George Garrard, Went- Richard Montague (vol. ii. p. 152).]
worth's frequent correspondent. He a [There is here some omission in
had written to Wentworth, on the MS.]
15th of Jan., and likewise on the
LETTERS. 133
He hath been with me since I received your letters, and I A. D. 1635.
have given a fair and true answer, and perhaps shall do more
than so ; yet I have told him clearly that the King will give
no reversions, nor dare I ask it : and that if a divine of worth
seek it (as formerly it hath been) I cannot be for him against
the Church. I have also declared unto him how much he is
bound unto you.
For myself, he never came at me since my living about
Lord Cottington
London till this winter; then he came first with 110 in his
company, and 19 to boot. Since, he hath visited me often ;
and now I see the cause of his kindness.
I thank your Lordship for your love to my Lord Primate,
and the great care you have promised to take about the in
heritance of that See in Connaught and the county of Mayob.
I pray your Lordship to continue and settle what you have
so nobly begun for him; and let him know that I have written
to you about it.
In my last I gave you my judgment of my Lady Duchess her
marriage to the Lord of Dunluce, son to the Earl of Antrim. I
told you how much ground she had lost by it, and that with
the King himself as well as all others of quality. Yet she
hath showed herself so brave a mother to my noble friend
the Duke's children, that I cannot for his and their sakes be
other to her than I was before, though I think I have been
more troubled at the thing than any other friend she hath.
But now 'tis past remedy, I have a suit to make to you, and
you must not deny it me. It is said here, how truly I know
not, that you have conceived some displeasure against the
young Lord ; and they are fearful of some neglect or disgrace
that may be put upon him by your frown, when he comes
into Ireland, as I hear he shortly must upon his father's
settling of his estate upon him. When he comes he shall
bring letters from me to your Lordship, and my earnest and
humble suit is, that for my sake you will use him nobly, and
let him know how carefully I have written to make his way.
I have not heard that he hath done anything to discon
tent you, but if he have, you know court jostles are many.
b [300L a year were afterwards recovered to the See of Armagh. (See Letter
of August 28, 1637.)]
134 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. And I dare undertake for the future he shall be your
servant.
I pray send me word what you will do in this, being very
loth any more should be added to the poor Lady's affliction.
So in haste and weariness, I leave you to the grace of God,
and a good riddance of your gout. I rest
Your Lordship's
Faithful and affectionate Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, May 12, 1635.
Rec. 25th.
'LETTER CCLXXI1I.
TO THE MAYOR OF CANTERBURY.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christo.
AFTER my hearty commendations, &c.
I lately received a petition from yourself and your brethren
on the behalf of the City of Canterbury, concerning the Dutch
and Walloon Churches there. And first, I must let you know
that there is not one particular thing mentioned in this your
letter or petition on the behalf of these strangers, which the
ministers of those congregations, when they were with me,
did not formerly represent. And I doubt not but you have
known from them, what answer they received from me, and
that by order from the King's Majesty, and the State : and
therefore you cannot expect but that to the same thing you
must receive again the same answer. Yet, because you should
see I proceeded not in this business but upon warrantable
grounds, and that I am ready to do you and the city as much
respect as I promised, I have again in open council ac
quainted his Majesty and the Lords that which you have
written, and how far it concerns the city in general, as well
as the stranger congregations ; and am commanded to return
you his answers.
First, the Injunctions which I have made concerning the
LETTERS. 135
strangers repairing to their several parishes6 (I mean such as A.D. 1635.
are natives, and with such interpretations as I made to them
selves when they were last with me) must stand in force and
[effect]. As for the inconveniences which you desire may be
taken into consideration, [I require you] to receive this answer
to them.
The first is your fear that their poor may be cast upon
you, [besides] already too many of your own. To this you
must know, that the command of the [King>s Majesty] is,
that though they do conform themselves to the English
parishes, yet they shall co[ntinue to support] their poor as
they did before, and look as well to them in all respects ; at
the least so long as till some other fitting order can be taken.
And they must not look, being come in strangers hither, to
receive so much peace and benefit by the State as they do,
and not conform themselves in those things which are required
of them, as all strangers do in all other parts of Christendom.
For your second, that divers of their trades will fail, which
are now upheld by the rules of their congregations. That is
grounded upon no reason at all. For I hope the congrega
tion doth not set rules to their several trades while they are
at church, nor make it any part of that service ; and for any
other meeting to set rules to their trades, or to do anything
else about them, there's no Injunction that restrains from
these. Neither need their resorting to their several parishes
any way hinder that. And whereas you add, that no English
man in your city hath ever had knowledge or interest in
those trades, the Lords like that worse than anything else,
and have reason so to do. For why should strangers come
here, and enjoy the peace of the kingdom, and eat of the fat
of the land, and not vouchsafe to teach such English as are
apt and willing to learn the trades which they profess and
practise ?
As for that which follows, namely, that many poor English
women, boys, and girls, shall not be employed as they now are
in spinning, winding, drawing and other works, wherein to
their great benefit and relief they are daily exercised ; there's
as little reason for that as for the former. For since nothing
in my Injunctions need put any the least stop to their
c [Sec vol. vi. p. 28.]
136 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. several trades, all these women and children both may and
must be employed by them, as they formerly were ; for their
trades cannot go on without such to work under them.
And last of all you add, if the congregation be so diminished,
they will not be able to contribute to the city's charge, as
heretofore they have usually done, and in good measure, upon
all such occasions as concern his Majesty's service : there is
no more reason for that than for any of the rest. For so long
as they live in the city, and exercise their trades, both native
and alien must rateably serve the King and the State. And
I hope the repairing of the natives to the English parishes
cannot take off any of their duty ; and to the city 'tis all
one, so their several rates be paid, whether they be paid in a
lump from the whole congregation, or part from the particular
men which are natives, and part from that congregation
which remains as yet alien.
In all these respects, though I have at your entreaty made
known to his Majesty and the Lords all that you have sug
gested in your petition, yet a mediator for you I cannot be in
those particulars, which are so disserviceable both to Church
and State. Neither would I ever have made my Injunc
tions, if I had not formerly weighed them well, and found
them fit to be put in practice. These are, therefore, to let
you know that my Injunctions must be obeyed, and that
I shall go constantly on with them ; and therefore do hereby
pray and require you the Mayor and governors of the city, to
second all these things in all fair and due proceedings for the
establishment of uniform government, as well concerning
those strangers, natives, or any other. And to let them know
that this is the resolution of the Lords, as well as of myself.
And I doubt not but that the strangers themselves may live,
they and their posterity, to bless the State for this care taken
of them. Sol leave you all to the grace of God, and rest
Your very loving Friend.
Endorsed :
'May 25, 1635.
' The copye of my L". to the Citty of
Canterb. concerning ye Dutch and
Walloon Congrcgaions,' &c.
LETTERS. 137
A, D. 1635.
LETTER CCLXXIV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I PRESSED a suit upon you on the behalf of the young
Lord of Dunluce, in the end of my last letters, that you
would be pleased to use him nobly and respectfully, for my
sake. And by these my letters which I put into his own
hands, I desire the same favour still. I hoped I should have
received an answer from you before this, that I might with
more confidence have assured my Lady Duchess that he
should receive all kindness and fair usage from you. But
I see his Lordship's occasions call him thither sooner, and
therefore I pray let me be as sure of this my easy suit granted
as if I had received an answer already. I profess I do not
know why any doubt should be made of your Lordship, who
use all men there so nobly. Nor did I hear of any offence
given you by this Lord, nor hath any particular doubt of
anything been represented to me. But the truth is, the good
Lady finding all her friends ill satisfied with her marriage, is
very sensible of anything that might (should it happen) add
to her grief. And, my Lord, deny me not this request, but
receive this young Lord so as that my Lady Duchess and he
both may thank me for these letters. And you shall thereby
much oblige me who am already and shall ever be
Your Lordship's most faithful
and affectionate Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, May 26, 1635.
138 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635.
LETTER CCLXXV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
Sal. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
YOUR Lordship will give me leave to answer one passage
of your Lordship's apart by itself, which I have put into this
bearer's hands, because it wholly concerns him and my kins
woman, his wifed.
And first, I heartily thank your Lordship for your noble
favour showed to him already for my sake, and I hope his
carriage will be such as that you shall have no cause to repent
you of your kindness.
Next, I shall humbly present his further suit to your
Lordship, which is, that in case his other business concerning
Mr. Barnaul's grant fail, as I doubt it must, you will yet
honourably be pleased to afford him some proportion of lands
in the county of Roscommon, or in any other convenient
place in this plantation of Connaught, at such rates as
other undertakers in the like kind have.
This request of his seeming to me very reasonable I shall
leave to your Lordship's wisdom, not doubting but that he
shall fare the better for my sake, for which I shall give you
very hearty thanks.
So you have my kinswoman's errand, and me
Your Lordship's
Very loving poor Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, June 4th, 1635.
LETTER CCLXXVI.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I AM heartily glad of your recovery, and I pray God
bless you from many such fits, as merrily as I played the
physician when I gave rules against ite. But I hope your
d [See above, p. 110.] e [Sec vol. vi. p. 416.]
LETTERS. 139
body decays not so fast as you fear ; yet you take the way to A. D. 1635.
make it, for I see by your despatches hither your pains
exceed the strength of a young body, and your mind is too
strong for the walls it inhabits. You must give your body
both more ease and more exercise, by turns. Ask your
better physicians how much I am out in this recipe.
I thank your Lordship for passing by Drummoref, and his
wrongs to me : if he be guilty, God forgive him ; and if he
be not, why should I trouble him ?
The King shall have the glory of settling of that Church,
but the care and the pains are yours. God lend you life and
strength to continue it, and reward you for it. But is it not
your great happiness, that being heretofore so well acquainted
with my predecessor in England, you should meet with a man
there so like him ? I hope you will make good use of this, or
you are much to blame. And yet though he preach as well
as my predecessor, I doubt he doth not equal his other
abilities. As for your noble expressions of your love to me,
I believe them all, and shall be ready to answer them.
But doth the Lord of Cork's tomb go to Youghal ? Must
it stand as a monument of his piety in that place to which
he hath showed so much ? But what if the cause go against
him, will he not remove it from hence too ? There will be
time enough to think of this, since it cannot come to hearing
till Michaelmas Term. And I see by you, that though the
Lady Mora be gone, yet some of her brats hang about the
Castle chamber there.
the Lord Treasurer Lord Cottington the B. o f
That 105, 17, and 110 did much favour 85, 12, 30, 49, 36,
25, 59, 46, 63, 33, 50, 60, 64, 14, 10, I writ to your Lord
ship, but not so much for news as to let you know the course
is still held. And though the Lady Mora have forsaken the
Lord Cottington
business, yet 110 do all that she intended, and have been
the King the B.
earnest divers times with 100 to bring 85, 17, 20, 30 off.
And to fit your Northamptonshire saw with another out
of Terence, is not this Ex malo principio magna fami-
liaritas ? For the Bishop of Lincoln's cause, it is true there
f [See above, pp. 94, 111.]
140 LETTERS.
A. D. 1685. is publication, but the books are so long, that it comes not to
hearing till Michaelmas term, if then, for many friends labour
for time. And if he should hear how you would have his
nails pared, I doubt not but he would scratch you as (some
say) he hath done others. But for some necessary considera
tions, I keep myself a stranger to him.
I have moved the King again about the subsidies, and he
hath renewed his promise to me that they shall be left to do
the business on that side, that the revenues there may settle.
the King
And to do all men right, I do not find by 100 that either 29,
Lord Cottington
or 27, or 26, or 110, have moved anything to the contrary.
And at the Commission of the Treasury (and I have been
absent from no meeting yet) not one of all these have moved
anything to have those subsidies hither. If I find anything
stirring that way, I will at all times do you all the service I
can ; though it be most true which you fear, that here is
much want to serve present occasions. And I know now
Lord Cottington
that 13 and 110 are concerned enough in it, and so is 15 g
too, which I doubt you will hardly believe.
I am glad you have your content for the tallow business. I
would we had for the soap, which continues yet extreme vile.
I am upon a way of remedy, and you would not think what
opposition I have, though it be the clearest proposition that
I think ever was made, and very advantageous to the King.
The old soap-boilers will come into a corporation, sell
as good soap as they were wont to make for 3d. ob. the
pound as the others do.
And where the New give £20,000 (which was never yet
done), they will give the King £40,000 per annum, eight
pounds per ton, and advance still beforehand ten thousand
pounds for the King's security of their payment. And all
other conditions are answerable, and not to be excepted
against. So with one twenty thousand pounds a year of
this the new patentees shall be paid all they can challenge,
K [This is probably intended for other of great consequence ... my
'115,' the cipher for Sir F. Winde- old friend Sir F. W. forsook me, and
bank. See entry in Diary, 'Julii 12, joined with the L. Cottington.']
In this [the soap] business and some
LETTERS. 141
principal arid interest, for their pretended service to the A. D. 1635.
Crown ; and the King shall have £20,000 more therewhile,
and £40,000 for ever so soon as they are discharged. Yet
now forsooth great care must be had of unsettling a thing
so well mastered.
The truth is, I find some very angry that I should be able
to do this service, and in this way. Well, I hope I shall
master it for all this opposition. If I do not, 1 shall have
little heart to think of my master's thrift any further. I
am glad you were of this mind before, but I believe you
did not dream they would be drawn so high. And it came
the handsomest into -my head that might be. But wot you
what ? I can now tell you what made the Lady Mora deaf
on that ear. It was this — her husband had £2,000 a-year
from the new patentees, and unless the old would give as
much, they might not be admitted into the corporation, nor
anything else be indulged them. I speak this from such a
hand as you cannot distrust.
It is well you have your letter for the Archbishop of
Cashells. I hope it will be for all the Church as well as for
Lord Cottington
him. 'Tis most true that 110 did all of them advise against
this letter, and to put those causes into chancery. But I did not
know that the Impropriations had so many enemies, and those
the same. Yet let me tell you, that now he that persuaded
you most to hinder the passing of them from the Crown,
did not make an
34, 46, 35, 17, 63, 51, 74, 19, 61, 40, 57, 45, 13, 15, 40, 63,
79, 44, 29, 50, 66, 65, 51, 71, 47, 73, 46, 4°9, 64, 19, but all
the Co mm issi ono
went free at 86, 33, 51, 62. 61, 48, 72, 71, 47, 50, 63, 51,
f the Treasury e.
37, 85, 18, 74, 69, 45, 40, 71, 54, 69, 80, 43. So I see smooth
streams may run rough at bottom.
I sleep not upon Sir Geo. Radcliffe's case, nor I think
the lawyers whom I trust with it. But I cannot yet give
you any accompt. I hope in court terms to have a very
good lawyer study it hard, and read upon it this summer,
and then you shall hear more.
I have not leisure since I meddled with the Treasure
(see how I am fallen upon rhyme, and what I might do if
142 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. I would give my mind to it) to go on with your College Sta
tutes ; but I hope this summer at Croydon I may find time
for it, if I have any time at all to be there. And yet I pray
think I am not idle. The truth is, I am very weary, and my
ruins, as they are older than yours, so must they in course
fall sooner. And the King shall have less to do to fit him
self with another Archbishop, than with another Deputy.
My Lord of Derry, I thank him, gave me notice of all your
Church business in convocation, as your Lordship directed
him. And 'tis well your later letter is full to your content
against Prynn and his fellows. And for aught I know, the
King believes as you do, that we here cannot think of a
Parliament in earnest.
I have received your discourse about the customs of
Ireland, and Barr's case, with his new offer h, and I thank
you heartily for it. Here is altum silentium for aught I hear
about the business. But if any speech arise concerning it,
you have armed me. But it is an excellent piece of stuff,
if (as you write) the proposition was originally fomented by
the Treasurer and Cottington,
30, 79, 105, 83, 15, 110, for I thought your interest in
11, 29, 23, 14, 4, 9, 17, had been so good that you should not
have been afraid of ciphers, whatever the accompt had been.
For Dr. Bruce, I have spoken again with my Lord Keeper
about the reference of the cause to them you name, and I
hope I shall prevail with him. But he desires time to speak
once more with Dr. Bruce. I have likewise put Mr. Cressy i
into this way. But in any case vacate all for as much as con
cerns superinstitutions ; and hasten the settling of the High
Commission there if ever you mean to rectify the exor-
bitancies which are too big for the Diocesan and his ordi
nary jurisdiction.
An Act of State to settle the Chancellorships of Bishops
upon graduates in the Civil and Canon Laws, will do much
good, and raise the profession there.
For Mr, Hilton J, if it be so tender a point to touch
h [For farming them at a higher He was also brother-in-law of Arch-
rate.] bishop Ussher, having married his
1 [See vol. vi. p. 386.] sister Anne. (See the Ussher Pedigree,
* [He was Chancellor of Armagh. in Elrington's Life.)]
See above, p. 121, and below, p. 160.
LETTERS. 143
(as I easily conceive it is, now I know the relation), it A. D. 1635.
were better let alone than have the Primate too much
disquieted at present. Yet methinks you might tell him
what care is had of Hilton for his sake, which yet I leave
to you.
I am glad you have received his Majesty's letters about
the Impropriations. I am sure now they are in a safe hand
both for speed and execution. Had they not fallen into
Lady Mora's hand, they could never have stuck as they
Lord Cottington
did; and yet I find by you that 110 more, as well as her
self, grudged exceedingly at the passing of them out of the
Crown. I confess I did believe some of them no great
friends to the Church. But that the Church had so many
Lord Cottington
great enemies as 110 showed themselves to you in that
particular, I did not believe till now. And I thank you
heartily for letting me know it. The rather, because one
of that number took himself once so much beholden to me,
as that he bid me call him knave, whenever I found that
he did not serve me and the Church to the uttermost.
But I pray pardon me, for I assure you, I will not call him
so, do what you can.
I find you have heard by another hand what happened
Lord Cottington and Laud
between 110, 17, 83, 19, 102; but I will assure you, though
I have little to do with any of these parties, I told you the
your Lordship's
truth. And I thank you for telling me what 130 judg
ment is of it. But I would have thanked you much
more if you would freely have passed your own censure
of it. In the meantime, nothing was moved in public but
Laud the King
what 102 had acquainted 100 with, and received full resolu
tion that the thing should be put on to the uttermost. So
discoverye mig
that 34, 46, 71, 32, 49, 54, 45, 69, 79, 44, 17, 62, 48, 38,
ht bemad e, Lord Cottington p 1
55, 73, 19, [not] 30, 43, 62, 41, 35, 44, 28, 13, 5, 110, 65, 60,
e a d e d the King
43, 40, 34, 45, 35 strongly that it was most unfit 100 his
debts shouldbe 1
34, 44, 31, 73, 71, 18, 72, 56, 50, 53, 59, 34, 31, 45, 19, 60,
144 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. o o k d
50, 49, 57, 35 into, and would needs give some reasons,
such as they were, why it was not fit things past should be
looked into k.
Laud the King's
Here 102 have 100 warrants to proceed, was full of indig-
to see master
nation 74, 51, 17, 71, 45, 44, 29 his 62, 42, 72, 74, 44, 70,
soe abused, yettg
72, 51, 45, 23, 40, 31, 53, 72, 43, 34, 12, 79, 44, 74, 73, 39,
a v e Lord Cottington
41, 52, 45, 20, 110, a bone to chew without giving any
Laud,
advantage that I know of against 102, whom I shall hereafter
take more care of for your sake, but not for his own, unless
he would learn to use me better. In the meantime, that
which troubled me then, and doth still, is that I have
the Lord Treasurer
discovered already that 12, and 105, was so far short
of being 72, 51, 45, 17, 38, 50, 49, 34, 40, 71, 43, 69, 54,
ant as the King t o o k e him f
42, 63, 74, 29, 41, 71, 100, 74, 49, 51, 58, 45, 23, 95, 37,
or as that
50, 70, 15, 41, 72, 88, he was no good one at all. But
whether the mighty 6*1, 42, 72, 71, 50, 36, 12, 13, 62, 49,
nyehe gotc ameo u to
63, 80, 45, 55, 44, 38, 50, 73, 32, 41, 62, 45, 51, 53, 73, 50,
f the King's purs e o r the p e o p 1 e
37, 100, 66,53,70,71,43,50,70,85,66,44,50,65,59,43,
72, 16, 24, 47, 71, 63, 49, 73 so easy to be found l.
As for the advantage which will not only be taken, but
sought for, I thank you for the caveat, and I will not fail to
take the best care I can. This only take with you, that
Lord Cottington
29, and 23, and 7, and 110, and many more, are all of opinion,
the King-
that it is no way fit to discourage 100 at once by clear under-
k [Garrard writes, April 4 ; 'The late years had raised themselves from
Commissioners for the Treasury sit very mean and private fortunes, to
constantly thrice a week. They look the titles and estates of Earls, which
back for five years past, how things he considered could not be done with-
have been carried, and some of them out wrong to both ' the King and the
are amazed to see the greatness of subject. He states in the same place
the King's debts.' (Strafforde Letters, on Laud's authority that the honest
vol. i. p. 413.)] profits of the place were about 7,000£.
1 [Heylin writes that Laud ob- a-year. (Heylin's Life of Laud, p.
served that ' various Treasurers of 285.)]
LETTERS* 145
standing and as clear a representation of all things. And A.D. 1635.
indeed, the 41, 33, 32, 51, 54, 63, 74, 72, are so many, so
long delayed, so confounded, so broken, so all naught, that I
have every day less hope than other to do any great good*
I am lately informed (how true it is I know not) that
Cottington the Queen make aoosu
110 labours by 101 to [62], 42, 58, 44, 19,3, 41,50, 49 ma 72, 53,
r e f or him self he
69, 43, 36, 19, 50, 70, 96, 72, 45, 60, 37, and that 56, 44,
e H. Jermin
43 endears by 55, 47, 45, 70, 61, 48, 64 n, and such others.
If this hold, all will go on the same way it did, save that
perchance the Lady Mora's waiting-maid will pace a little
faster than her mistress did, but the steps will be as foul.
Lord Cottington's
In the meantime 110 friends all of the party give out that
your Lordship the Queen Laud
130 labours for it by 101 and 102, and the many made much
afraid of it. If you will have any more cunning, send for
the old fellow that knocked his beads while he contrived the
falsifying of the records °. You know the tale, and the tale's
master, better than ever I mean to do.
Your letters to the Commissioners of the Treasury were
read, and referred to Sir William Russell?, for that part of
them which concerns the payment of the Navy. For the
rest, some conceive you desire to keep the King's moneys too
long in your hands ; but so soon as Sir William's answer is
given, you will receive ours by Mr. Secretary.
I thank your Lordship for the account you have given me
about Mrs. Brown, my kinswoman 1. And if Mr. Barnaul's
lease be forfeited, I doubt they can have little good, unless
your Lordship can find a way of mercy to help them, which I
leave to your goodness, as I do their other suit to your
judgment, but they have letters apart for this, and I will not
trouble you a second time with the same thing.
I am sorry the last directions came too late for the Parlia-
m [The meaning of these ciphers Cottington. See Wentworth's Letter
cannot be made out.] of August 23, 1634. (Strafforde Let-
II (This shows at what an early ters, vol. i. p. 300.) It is also referred,
period .lermyn had obtained the to by Laud, (See vol. vi. p. 4#0.)]
Queen's confidence.] p [The Treasurer of the Navy.]
0 [This refers to a story told of « [See above, p. 110.]
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP. J,
1 46 LETTERS.
A.D. 1G35. ment; but if you can improve an Act of State to do the
same thing, the hurt is the less, and simony may be as well
punished.
In the next passage you tell me of a petition which the
College desires might be presented to his Majesty; but truly
I have received none in the packet ; either it is unfortunately
forgotten, or your letter mistaken. Yet this much I perceive.
It is about some profit to them out of the plantations of
Connaught. For you write 'tis all one whether they or other
planters have it. I do conceive (though I dare not give
warrant) that you may do them what good you can, and that
the King will thank you for it. So you do it in such a way
as shall not prejudice him.
I have done all I can to hasten the return of your business
about Connaught, and I hope it will come in time.
I moved his Majesty about the filling of Sir Thomas
Tillesley's place, and I do not see but that he leaves it to you.
Your secretary is come, but hath not yet said anything to me
in that business, therefore I hope he finds all well.
For the church at Deny, his Majesty is pleased that the
Bishop go on with the consecration of it ; and for the name
of it, that it bear St. Columba, the first planter of the Faith
there. As for the ring of bells, the very suit that you make
for them sounds well in his Majesty's ears, and he is content
to make his piety and bounty appear by giving them (if the
Londoners have not provided them already) ; but then he
expects that you should husband this his honour and thrift
together, and find out some way how this charge may be best
borne, and not make the present time too sensible of it.
In the next place, I must and do give your Lordship all
the thanks you can expect for your nobleness to me in my
suit for the Lord of Dunluce. I shall still be your debtor,
and pay as I am able. And for your resting satisfied with
my reasons given about the business of the Dean of Limerick
and Dr. Atherton, I do more than thank you, the business
being of great consequence every way, as I conceive it.
For the character which you mention, and that some are
pleased to blazon you with it, I must needs say for myself
I have always found your Lordship far more ready to hear
reason than some other men to give it ; and why you should
LETTERS. 147
lay down your reason without reason given by other, and that A D. 1635.
sufficient, I know not.
So I have done with your letters, by many petty snatches
after time to do it in. The particulars I have to add are not
many. And first, I presume Mr. Secretary Coke gives you
some fitting account how (in the general at least) the affairs
go in Brabant, between the French and Dutch, joined against
the Cardinal Infanta there ; and ergo I shall say nothing of
it, but God preserve us from having our near neighbours too
great to be enemies.
I thank you for Mr. Tilson1'. I remember the honest man
well, but did not till you revived my memory of him. I am
very well content he have this summer's tithes of Rochdale,
so that he after render it into my hands to dispose. I pray
commend me to him with thanks for his conformable pains
there. And this I shall desire of him, that at winter, when
he sends me his resignation of it, he will send me word of the
worth of it, and in particular in what profits his best tithes
arise, that I may be able to give the successor some directions
as well as the benefice.
I have received two other letters from you, one in behalf of
Sir John Melton, Secretary at York3; the other, to the like
effect, for Sir Edward Osborne, your Vice- President there.
They have both been with me, and delivered their several
letters. And I shall be ready upon all occasions to make the
respect I bear to you appear in them, to the utmost of my
power, so long as they make good your letters, and go on in
such a way as I can go by them.
'Tis time to leave, and if you knew to what shifts I have
been put to gain time for this letter, you would pity me.
I leave you and yours to God's blessed protection, and shall
ever approve myself
Your Lordship's
Very loving Friend to honour and serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Juuii 12th, 1C35.
Endorsed :
< Recd. 22nd, by Tho". Forster.'
[Sec above, pp. 119, 120.] Wentworth is printed in StraiTorde
[A letter of Sir John Melton to Letters, vol. i. p. 418.]
L2
148 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635.
LETTER CCLXXVII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
'*"
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
-:"", •*> ,
Sal. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
THE petition of the College at Dublin, which was for
gotten by the last despatch, I have since received.
And accordingly I here send your Lordship his Majesty's
letters enclosed, to authorize you for the settling of lands
upon them in the province of Connaught, instead of their
pension *.
So, not doubting of your honourable care herein, and
humbly praying your Lordship to excuse these short and
hasty letters, I leave you to the grace of God, and rest
Your Lordship's
Very loving poor Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, June 30th, 1635.
Recd. July 13th.
LETTER CCLXXVIIL
TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christo.
AFTER my very hearty commendations, &c.
These are to let you know, that I had it once in my
thoughts to visit the Diocese of Oxford this year, and with
that Diocese the University of Oxford, not as Chancellor,
but only as Archbishop, in and for those things which are of
ecclesiastical cognizance only.
For I shall not, in that Visitation, meddle with any Visitor's
power, within the several Colleges of that University respec-
1 [These are printed in Strafforde Letters, vol. i. p. 436.]
LETTERS. 149
lively; but only take a general view of that obedience which I ^-D- 1635
hope is yielded in all and every one of them to the doctrine
and discipline of the Church of England, which, being now
committed to my trust, I shall be as careful both to examine
and preserve as any of my predecessors have been.
Yet, the more I thought upon this business, the more
careful I have been to preserve all rights and privileges
granted unto you by charter or otherwise, to the end that if
you can plead any right against my power of Visitation of
that body, you may take it into such consideration as is
fitting. , But I am confident you can make no show or
appearance of right to that purpose. For, howsoever some
of my predecessors have made omissions in this kind, yet the
Archbishop's right and power of Visiting is most unquestion
able. For, in Richard the Second's time, when the University
of Oxford challenged that exemption from the Archbishop,
as after again in Henry the Fourth's time, the controversy
came to public hearing, and the King vouchsafed to be pre
sent in person. At which time the right passed for the
Archbishop of Canterbury against the Chancellor and Scholars.
And the sentence was afterwards drawn up and passed under
the Broad Seal. of England; and since my coming to this
See, I have gotten into my hands the very original Broad
Seal then passed. And all this I write unto you, that you
may see that though both powers of Archbishop and Chan
cellor are now residing in my person, yet I shall not offer to
do anything by the one that may be found prejudicial to the
other. And withal to open the whole business to you, that
against the next year, when I purpose, God willing, to visit,
you may all be satisfied beforehand that I attempt nothing
in this but that which is just and equal. For the decision
then made in the presence of those two Kings, and confirmed
by their authority, hath obtained ever since, without contra
diction. I shall not need to write more to you on this argu
ment, but, wishing you all health and happiness, I leave you
to the grace of God, and rest
Your very loving Friend,
Endorsed :
' The copy of my Lett™, sent to
Oxford about my Metropolitical
Visitation.'
150 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635-
LETTER CCLXXIX.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliara.]
Sal. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
THESE letters have but one particular business to you,
and that corning casually to my knowledge, I could not but
write.
Some Lords (I hear my Lord Chamberlain11 and my Lord
of Salisbury x) have been earnest with the King on the behalf
of the Earl of Cork, that he may come over hither and make
his submission here to the King, and the Irish Committee ;
and that a nobleman of his rank may not be disgraced there
in a public court of justice.
So soon as I heard this, I stepped to the King, to know
the certainty of it. His Majesty told me it was true, and
that their importunity was great with him ; but yet that he
would do nothing but with your knowledge and advice for
the fitness of it. Upon this I put his Majesty in mind how
carefully you had proceeded, and besought him twice at
least by me, before that suit began, that if you did begin it
he would leave you to your own proceedings there, being all
tempered with justice, and for his Majesty's honour; and
that he had as often granted this. Yet for all this, I see the
letter must come to you.
Then I desired two things. The one, that nothing might
be done to dishearten you in your proceedings, which were
so honourable, and so real in his Majesty's service.
The other, that since the Church's inheritance is very
considerable in this business, he would suffer nothing to be
done either there or here to prejudice that.
His Majesty promised me both these.
u [Philip Herbert, Earl of Pern- Lord Clifford, who was connected by
broke and Montgomery.]. marriage with the Earl of Cork. (See
* [William Cecil. He was the vol. vi. pp. 360, 442.)}
brother of Frances, wife of Henry
LETTERS. 151
The letters are to be sent to you by Secretary Windebank, A.D. 1)35.
whose pen, I hope, will be as wary as it ought to be, both for
the Church, and you.
However, these are to give you warning with all the speed
I could of this, and to desire you to spare nothing that may
make the King sensible of the business, for if it come hither,
I have no great hope of the Church's part.
I doubt all this proceeds from the Lord of Salisbury for the
Lord Clifford's sake.
I thank you heartily for your noble carriage towards the
Lord Dunluce.
I am very weary, and scarce well, but in all postures
Your Lordship's
Very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, July 14th, 1635.
LETTER CCLXXX.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,
I HUMBLY thank you for your gracious letters sent me
in your own hand, and they are much the better welcome
(though they be always so), because they bring me certainty
of your Majesty's happy recovery, which I pray God bless
with increase of strength and continuance of health.
Concerning the bearer of your Majesty's letters, Mr. Kuli-
sius y and his business, I have already in his absence sent the
Briefs to every Bishop within my province, and accompanied
them with my several letters both to hasten and advance the
business by all the care that can be taken z. And what I
may further do for him or that cause shall not be wanting.
And I heartily thank your Majesty for accepting my service
so nobly.
y [He is elsewhere called Ruly. Laud's ' rough ' treatment of him on
He was a Palatinate Minister who this occasion. See vol. iv. p. 312.]
was sent over on the business of the z [These letters had been sent out
Brief, and who spoke most untruly of May 8. See vol. vi. p. 417.]
152 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. The despatch which your Majesty made to your dear brother,
my gracious sovereign, is come, and with all tender respects
to you considered of by him. I assure your Majesty I never
saw him more careful, nor more affectionately considerate
what to do than he was, and is, in this ; indeed, I must con
fess, it much concerns both your Majesty and your chil
dren, and his honour. What resolutions he hath taken, your
Majesty will quickly hear, partly from the King himself, and
partly from Mr. Secretary Coke, by Sir William Bos well.
I may not venture upon Mr. Secretary's office, to make
any report at large of this business with which he is trusted ;
but out of my duty, this I will be bold to write : — I do
humbly intreat your Majesty, notwithstanding any articles
of peace between the Emperor and the Lord of Saxe, nay,
and suppose those articles never so hard and exclusive of
your children from both their dignity and their country, that
yet your Majesty would send, and in due form of the laws
require of the Emperor investiture for the Prince, your son,
now before he comes of age, to the end that at that time the
Emperor may not be able to say investiture was never asked
of him in due form of law. By which means (should this be
omitted) he would have a legal pretence to countenance that
which hitherto is but violence. Besides, when this is done,
your dear brother the King will be the better able to do
what in his royal wisdom he shall find fittest and best for
your Majesty's advantage.
I heartily pray your Majesty to pardon this freedom, and
for other things which the King shall be pleased to commu
nicate to me as one of the Committee, I shall be ready next
his Majesty to serve you and your children in the most hope
ful way I can.
I humbly take my leave,
Your Majesty's to be commanded.
As I was ready to seal these, I received other letters from
your Majesty by Mr. Croft. The Foreign Committee sat
again that day which I received them, which was Sunday,
July 19. But no counsel altering anything before resolved
on, I can write no more concerning the Prince your son than
as before.
LETTERS. 153
And as touching Mr. Croft, I presently acquainted his A.D. 1635.
Majesty with the great testimony your Majesty had given to
your ancient servant, and your desires for him. But the
King, after great expressions of your love and care, said he
would think of it, and not be sudden, because it would con
cern himself nearly, whom he placed about his son.
LETTER CCLXXXI.
TO THE PllINCE CHA11LES, ELECTOR PALATINE.
[German Correspondence, S. P. O.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HIGHNESS,
THOUGH it be not safe to put anything in paper, while
the passage of letters is so unsafe, yet I cannot let Mr. Goff*
return to the army, where, it seems, your Excellency now is,
without my acknowledgment of the great honour and favour
vouchsafed me in your letters, and the noble expressions
which you are there pleased to make of me. I cannot ascribe
to myself that which your nobleness puts upon me for
wisdom; my zeal, perhaps, to a good cause may be warm
enough, yet that which under the King and his counsels
(which are very careful for you and your good) I shall be
able to do for you, I shall be ready to pursue with all care
and diligence as beseems
Your Highness' affectionate Servant.
To His Excellency Charles, Prince
Elector Palatine.
Endorsed :
* The Copye of mye answear to ye
Queen of Bohemia & ye Prince hir
sonne.
Julij 22, 1635.
Julij 26, 1635.'
[Stephen Goff, or Gough. See vol. vi. p. 347.}
154 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635.
LETTER CCLXXXIL
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENT WORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzvvilliam."1
Sal. in Christ o.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
THE bearer hereof, the Earl of Nithsdale b, hath stayed
longer here than he purposed ; for I understand by my
Lord Primate that he should have been with your Lordship
before this about a business that concerns them both, in
Connaught, — the Lord Primate as landlord, and his Lordship
as tenant.
I think I writ about it to your Lordship in one of my last
letters ; and, notwithstanding the EarPs absence, I am con
fident you will do all right to the See of Armagh.
I know your Lordship remembers very well the great suit
that the Earl of Nithsdale came to England about c.
That was referred by the King to some other Lords and
myself; and upon hearing, we absolutely thought it unfit to
pass.
So, it seems, his Lordship hath stayed here the longer, to
get somewhat else in lieu of it d. And I think somewhat is
granted; but what, or how, I inquire not; only I pray God
the goodness of my master exceed not the Exchequer, which
in those parts I leave to your care.
The occasion of these letters to your Lordship is no more
than this at the present : his Lordship hath desired me to
recommend him to you, which I hereby do ; and desire your
Lordship to let him know that I have requested your lawful
favour for him, which yet so far I do, and no further, than
your Lordship shall find his service to be, and have been, for
b [Robert Maxwell. He married nisances, and to be made a Privy Coun-
Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Francis cillor. Wentworth objected to him on
Beaumont, a kinsman of the Duke of the ground of his being a Romanist.
Buckingham. He joined Montrose (See Strafforde Letters, vol. i. pp. 367,
in 1644, for which he was excom- 368.)]
mnnicated by the General Assembly, d [He obtained a grant of money
and died in 1646.] from the King, as will be found
c [He wished to obtain an enlarge- mentioned below.]
nient of his grant of forfeited recog-
LETTERS. 155
the honour and good of the King and his public affairs A.D. 1635.
there.
So I take my leave, and rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Croydon, July 30th, 1635.
Endorsed :
' Rec'1. 28th Sept. by Mr. Guttrye.'
LETTER CCLXXXIII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I PRAY pass over your affrights to see so many of my
letters before you, for I can and do well consider your mani
fold businesses, and what a divorce your late sickness hath
occasioned from them. The like measure I will expect from
you when infirmity or pressing occasions put a stop upon me.
To the particulars of your large letters from the Abbey of
Boyle. The transportation of wool will (if not prevented),
sooner than is expected or feared, for aught I see, hazard, if
not lose, the great manufacture of the kingdom ; which will
bring with it as much dishonour as loss. And how to prevent
it, I believe no man can see, if the door in Scotland be left
open. And I see no care to shut it. I will move again,
though I have little hope of it. And as little care is used to
frustrate the cunning underworking of the Hollander. My
spirits die within me to see so much danger not so much as
thought on, but as men used to dream brokenly upon former
thoughts.
If Sir William Hives come into England upon any of his
other occasions 'tis well ; but I should be sorry he should
come only upon the occasion of the sale of his land to the Col
lege. For I writ to your Lordship that we could not deal with
him for it, because 'tis held in capite, and so our mortmain
is not capable of it, being restrained to soccage tenure only0.
This hath been so much in my thoughts, that I am con-
e [See vol. vi. p. 424.]
156 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. fident I writ so to you and desired your Lordship thereupon
to satisfy Sir William. But when I see no answer of this in
your letters, I begin to doubt myself, and to think I am even
with you about the College at Dublin and their petition.
That petition came not, but was sent me after by your Secre
tary, and I have sent it back with the King's grant. I hope
you have ere this safely received it. I pray if it be not too
late, and that I have slipt by overthinking upon it, be pleased
to let Sir William Rives know what hinders us from going
on with the purchase.
I am glad you are so valiant against the gout, but it will
not be outed so where it hath once gotten possession. Carry
as merry a heart as you can while 'tis away, but it will abide
neither music nor dancing when it comes. The best thing
against it is a moderate diet, as well on the eating side as for
wine. And the greatest predicament against it is quantum.
I am beholden to Dr. Atherton that he can and will prefer
any one that I shall commend to the benefice, after he hath
received these summer profits. It happens well ; for very
few things have fallen into my gift, and many call upon me.
It therefore he can do it, I pray send me word what I am to
do more than to name the man to him, and I shall do it with
thanks, and be ready to return as much kindness upon him
when God shall put it into my power.
And I am very glad that you and I should so meet in
judgment for the justice and true reason of government,
which I gave as well in Dr. Atherton's as Mr. Wandesford's
case.
For the Irish Canons, you have my judgment. And the
name of Jesus is little beholden to their stiffness. But what
if the Name do not only represent, but stand for the Person,
shall He have no honour neither ?
My Lord of Dunluce hath given me solemn thanks for
your noble usage of him, and I must and do return it to you.
I am very sorry the gout, which is bad enough of itself,
should reduce the spirit which is worse than the stone itself.
But if you can trot that out in sand and gravel 'tis much the
better. And since you use the proverb that you are now as
sound as a fish, I would you were; for then I durst pro
nounce you free from both diseases, as well in potentia as actu,
LETTERS. 157
•which state I would I were able to purchase for you. How- A.D. 1635.
soever, you do marvellous well to be cheerful, and leave the
rest to God. And I was glad to hear (for I knew it before
your letters came) that the King had granted you the ward
ship of your son f. It could not but give you great content
and security ; and yet you might have had security enough
for your son, now my Lord Cottington, your old friend, is
Master of the Wards s, had the worst happened, and this
grant not been made. Indeed, had the Mastership of the
•Lord Cottington
Wards fallen upon 29, 110, or 17 L, your son perchance,
and your estate too, might have suffered ; ergo 'tis much better
as you have now ordered it.
Let the Earl of Cork's Tomb be gone whither it will, but
for himself, in a business of this nature, I had rather the
horse which draws it should be foundered, than shod sound
to run away with it, as methinks I see a fair way preparing.
the King
I make no doubt but that 100 and 13 will still favour
that 30 *, and for aught I see work such means (for so 'tis
the King
given out here by good hand) that 100 shall be handsomely
wrought off, as if that were fittest for his service. Be it so ;
for I must tell you I begin to believe it will be so ; yet this
comfort is in it, I shall see how the relics of an old faction
can piece, and observe the time which I cannot better.
I did (as I writ) move his Majesty that your subsidies might
be set apart for the use of that kingdom. He promised me
they should, and I hope they shall. Yet do not say you are
Lord Cottington
hereby secured of your fear; for you will find 110 to be five
more than 105k. And by that time that greater number is
1 [It appears from Wentworth's Portland, the Lord Treasurer, wished
letter to the King that Cottington had to obtain the office for his son, Lord
applied for his son's wardship. (See Weston; but his death prevented it.
Strafforde Letters, vol. i. p. 421.)] (Strafforde Letters, vol. i. p, 389.)]
% [On the resignation of Sir Eobert * [This probably means that the
Naunton (Strafforde Letters, vol. i. King, and whoever was meant by the
p. 389). The Earl of Salisbury had cipher '113' (which has not been
the reversion of the office, which he ascertained), favour the Earl of Cork;
relinquished. (Birch's Court of Charles or ' 13 ' may be merely a blank.]
L, vol. ii. p. 229.)] k [Probably meaning himself as
h [This would almost appear to Chief Commissioner of the Treasury,
mean '117.' And if so, it may The office of Lord Treasurer was not
probably furnish a clue as to the yet filled up.]
person meant by that cipher. Lord
158 LETTERS.
attended by 13, 29, 10, 28, 15, 19, 3, and their fellows on the
the Queen
part of 101, they will do here what they list. And then in
needy times promise not yourselves too much. And for my
part I see I shall be able to do you little good in that way.
The prayers of the Church you may have, and I will hope
they may still do you good, but not there.
You are now come to the New Soapers, and I thank you
for the discourse you make to me on that business, by which
I see what you thought of those sophisters in the days of
the Lord Treasurer
yore, where there were 105 and God knows how many more
besides themselves.
By that which you write I see you went for the old men,
but making the price 4d. ob. the pound. This way I durst not
adventure, because it would have increased a penny in the
pound upon the people, and that would have brought clamour
on me. And besides, I could that way have had no advan
tage against the Corporation who sell for less, and swear
enough for the goodness of their ware. But I hit upon (as I
was apt to flatter myself) a very handsome way to continue
the price at 3d. ob. to the people, and yet double the rent
to the King from four pounds a ton to eight pounds,
which must have made forty thousand pounds a year, if theirs
make twenty thousand; for double it is in all proportions.
My Lord, I thought myself sure, and according to the weak
ness of my brains thought I had reason ; but I found great
and hot opposition. I did in all obey your counsel now given
as if it had come before. I went on against all opposition I
met with. 'Tis too long to tell you all; but I shall never
forget the story. Yet this I'll tell you — the first cavil was,
what security ? I brought them to otter ten thousand pounds
beforehand, and upon the re-imbursernent of that by the sale,
as much mure, and so for ever. This for real security. And
for personal, ten of them were to be bound in forty thousand
pounds for their truth to the King, and continuance of that
work at the price to the King and people ; and as one of the
ten dies, another to be bound in his room. When all holes
were stopped, then the King could not do it in honour, and
God kllOWS what. Cottington E. Marshall and E. o
The great opposers in this were 110 and 107, 83, 43, 50,
LETTERS. 159
f Dorset
38, 15, 35, 51, 69, 72, 44, 741. With me none that spake but A.D. 1635.
the P. S e a 1 e Coke
104, 84, 66, 71, 45, 40, 60, 43m. 114 wished it well, but I
had little assistance from him.
In conclusion, Sunday, July 12th, at Theobald's, it was They have
settled again upon the new Corporation, who against all their ^i years
oaths that they could not give so much and live by it, are paid in to
. ' . , c ' the King
content to give six pounds per ton tor two years, and ever almost
after eight pounds per ton. By which means so soon as £8,000.
J Promissor
Lord Cottington Treasurer, the King d e c e hlatu
ever 110 is 105, 100 may be as finely 34, 43, 32, 44,
aved as ever and a
40, 52, 45, 35, 17, 17, 42, 71, 13, 44, 53, 43, 69, 19, 84, 42,
llannuityes cont
60, 59, 41, 64, 63, 53, 46, 73, 79, 45, 72, 29, 33, 51, 63, 74,
48, 63, 64, 43, 76, 45. By this you may see 75, 55, 41, 74,
power Lord Cottington c o
18, 3, 65, 49, 76, 44, 69, 7, 12, 110 have, and what 32, 49,
m f o r t Laud hath s e r
61, 36, 51, 70, 73, 16, 24, 102, 56, 40, 73, 55 to 71, 45, 69,
v e
52, 43. I pray God this business may settle for the King's
good ; but I cannot but doubt it, such is the weakness of my
judgment.
I am glad the Archbishop of Cashel speeds so well by his
letter. Yet do you not think his cause might better have
been put into the Chancery? Sure I think it might for the
lawyers, but neither for the Church, nor him. And it may
be that this was his meaning that gave the counsel. He was
the wiser therefore to get his letters. That is the Lord
Cottington' s speech.
I pray you look to the impropriations, and settle them as
Lord Cottington the Queen
fast as you can; for I am confident 110 sets on 101 by the
Sir R. W y n n
means of 7l, 47, 69, 15, 70, 75, 79, 64, 63, who is in his
bosom11, and one of his factors on that side of the water. Yet
since I writ last I hear no more of it, and ergo it may be
17, 4, 23, 27, 15, 5, 3°, and all the 29 are mistaken.
I do all I can to hasten your answer and give you some
opinion in Sir George Radcliffe's case. But I pray you
1 [Edward Sackville.] ° [Probably these ciphers mean
'" [The Earl of Manchester.] 'nothing.']
n [See above, p. 106.]
160 LETTERS.
A. -n. 1635. pardon me, I cannot yet get the lawyers whom I would have
to lead, to speak out. Believe me, I am not negligent in
this, nor will be.
I could have done little for you, if I could not have read
over your papers of the Customs. I never heard more of it
the Lord Treasurer
since, nor I think will you. But 'tis pretty that 105 and the
Lady Mora should set such a business on foot, and her daily
the Lord Deputy
waiting-maid not know of it. I know 130 believes none of
this ; you may if you will.
I shall heartily thank you for settling the Chancellorships
of the Bishops, and particularly for the remove of Mr. Hilton,
if it may be fairly done?.
Though you be so shy of it, yet I am sure I have the judg-
your Lordship
rnent of 130, and not so few, of all that happened between
me Lord Cottington.
102 and 110. But sure you need not be so. For better
heads are not about it (as you modestly write), and I profess I
value your judgment upon it, more than all the Beads of
Calabria, seem they never so devout, and wise to bootq.
And I shall observe whether you be a prophet or not, what
will be said about 35, 47, 71, 49, 69, 34, 44, 70, 47, 63, 38,
the r e v e n e w the King's
17, 28, 85, 69, 43, 53, 45, 64, 45, 76, if 100 men's eyes can
myself.
be opened by the endeavours of 102. But of that I for my
part have no hope. Partly, because that pot of roses must be
Lord Cottington
covered, and 15, 17, 28 and 110 have art enough to do it ;
and they use it all. And partly because I find, not without
Lord Cottington
grief, that of the four above named, 15 and 110 have got
the King Laud
so much interest in 25 and 100, that neither 4 nor 29 nor 102
are able to open any of their eyes to see their own apparent
and certain good through the mist which those jugglers have
the b y s i n e s o
cast before them. Witness 86, 30, 79, 71, 47, 64, 45, 72, 50,
f the s o p e
36, 5, 14, 15, 85, 72, 49, 65, 44.
But concerning the King's business, as I formerly writ
P [William Hilton, see above, p. 142.] •> [See above, p. 145.]
LETTERS. 161
unto yon so I go on ; and according to my duty shall fail in A-D- 1635.
no endeavour that may equally and indifferently lay his
estate before him, that he may see [the] best and worst of it,
and then after have recourse to his own great wisdom and
judgment what he will do for the future.
In the next passage I see you are miserably out ; for I
Lord Holland, H. J e r m i
know the time was when 112, 15, 55, 3, 46, 44, 69, 62, 48,
n, the Queen Lord Cottington
64, 101, and all, &c. hated the waiting woman r and 110
soundly enough. But now she doth all that can be thought
on to please ; and it was my hap to see such smiles of dear-
Lord Cottington
ness pass between the named and 1000 and 110 that I (if
there were nothing else) am abundantly satisfied all is well
there. And I make no doubt but great matters are promised
there, if. But for the other, I have also heard from a very
good hand (yet such as I am confident travels from the
your Lordship Treasurer
Beads8) that 130 is very earnest to be 17 or 500 or 105, and
the Queen. Laud
by the means of 10L And 102 hath been fished by 29, 13,
and 18, and divers others, to know if it be not so, and thus
much 102 told me plainly.
I am as confident as you can make me that in this latter
your Lordship
there is no truth. And I think 130 resolves wisely. Yet
Laud *
this I will venture to tell you, and 'tis from 102 his own
mouth — he swears to me, and I believe him, that once upon
the King
private speech about this business between him and 100, he
you
did speak as much good as he could of 130 and 500, and how
the Treasure rshi p.
able both of them were to encounter 105. But this was
once and all, and without any warrant, as he avows, from
you
either 500 or 130 ; and that he never spake more of it to
the King
any but 100 and myself. And I assure you I never opened
* [The Earl of Portland, or it may authority.' ' The Beads ' signify Cot-
only mean the delays of the Treasury.] tington, with reference to the story
1 [That is, • comes on Cottington' s alluded to above, p. 145.]
LAUD. — VOL. vi. APP. M
162 LETTERS.
the Lord Deputy
A.D. 1635. it to any till now to you. But in any case, let not 130 know
it, for I see he is unwilling to dance, and I am confident
little good will be done here, if he dance not. Pardon me
this error, if it be one ; but I cannot repent it.
How ! a patent, and 500, 66, 59, 75, 63, 34, 43, 17, 2, 38,
46, 52, 44, 63, 74, 4°9, 69, 35, 46, 73. And yet so used
the Treasurer towhom itw
about it, and by 105, 73, 50, 76, 55, 51, 62, 15, 48, 73, 75,
a s g i v e n and L. Cottington b y w h o
40, 71, 38, 46, 52, 44, 63, 83, 110, 30, 79, 75, 56, 50,
m given
61 it was procured to be 39, 46, 53, 43, 64. This is pretty
indeed ! But you are well served, being a Protestant, to
trust so much to your Beads. I hope you will do so no
more.
I thank your Lordship for your good intendments to my
kinswoman, Mrs. Browne. I shall rest upon what you shall
find fit to do. And shall be glad to see the Act of State which
shall punish simony in the patron as well as in the clerk ; and
if anything cure that malady, it must be that.
I am just of your opinion for the business of Connaught.
If it had come into the Lady Mora's hands you must have
treated out this summer, and perhaps not have done it next.
For such ladies spin long threads ; and I have found it in
some men too. When they can or will do little themselves,
they are of all men most unwilling anything should be done
by others. . The rest of your answer to those letters of mine
needs no return from me, being but noble thanks from you
for some poor and few services of mine, yet such as I have
been able to do you.
You are an excellent man to take your poor friend's letters
in jest when they come in the behalf of such gravity. The
truth is, I writ them in earnest, and do so now. I assure you
the Earl of Rutland came in person with him to me, and
acknowledged his kindred, and desired me to write to you in
his behalf u. I hope then, if he be kin to your lady, he shall
not fare the worse for that, nor for his gravity neither.
I confess I do not love formality, with all my heart, but I
1 [Toward.] u [See above, p. 123.]
LETTERS. 163
cannot love any affectation of it or anything else. If it come A.D. 1635.
not naturally or without squeezing, it is not for me. This
made me write as I did. And my letters seem in jest con
cerning a gravity which I half suspected was not in earnest.
But pray, my Lord, make Flood able to certify my Lord of
Rutland that I have written as he desired, and then do for
the rest as you find cause. t r u st
You shall not need to bid me not 15, 74, 69, 52, 92,
Cottington the b y s i n e s
110 ; for I assure you 85, 30, 80, 71, 47, 63, 44, 72, 17, 29,
o f the sope washedo
49, 37, 85, 71, 50, 65, 45, 19 hath 75, 40, 72, 56, 43, 34, 51,
f that
36, all 87 from me. Yet I thank you for your caution. But
Cottington bet
is it possible 28, 16, 110 should so shamefully 31, 44, 73,
r a y e you to Coventry, whom
69, 40, 79, 45, 16, 80, 50, 54, 3, 73, 49, 104, 76, 55, 51, 62,
h e
56, 45 hates deadly, and hath done and doth yet all the
111 offices to that he is able ? And upon my knowledge they
are many and great. But I see I must not know this
stratagem till I have the honour to see you, and God knows
whether I shall ever live to it or not.
You will do an excellent service for the King and that
kingdom if you settle the fees in all the courts of justice.
And as you desire, I have called already for tables of fees as
they are taken in the Ecclesiastical Courts here ; and I pur
pose to send you one for the Archbishops' fees, another for a
Bishop's, and a third for an Archdeacon's, where he hath any
jurisdiction. And though in some dioceses we have different
fees by ancient custom, and other like rights, yet I conceive,
where things are to be settled de novo, 'tis best to keep them j do herc_
uniform. So I shall send you one of the perfectest, and with with send
these letters if they can be made ready. If not, you shall not 1
fail of them by Michaelmas-day, God willing.
I shall do my best to prefer Dr. Usher to the bishopric of
Kildare ; not for his own, but for my Lord Primate's sake.
But I have no mind to break my rule of not putting Deanery
or Archdeaconry into any commendam, having seen so many
evil consequences upon it as I have done. Yet, since you
write that the Bishop cannot otherwise be supported, I will
M2
164
LETTERS.
A.D. 1635.
1 have
moved the
King, and
prevailed
for 3 years ;
iu that
time you
may supply
him with
another
com-
mendam,
which you
may well
do, being
to give so
good an
archdea
conry.
move the King for it. My Lord Primate writ to me about it
a month since, at least ; but I stirred not\
the E. of Cork the King
Concerning the last motion about 132 made to 100 by
Ld. Pembroke and Ld. Salisbury
108, 85, 109, I can say no more than I have
the Lord Deputy
written™, and much will be upon 130, and the information
the King Laud
which she will give hither, for I am sure that 100 told 102
that nothing should be done but by her advice as well as
knowledge.
e a s i n e
Yet let me tell you, I find such an 43, 40, 71, 46, 63, 44,
s some' m e n s s u
72, here to 71X, 49, 62, 45, 19, 4, 61, 43, 64, 72, 6, 10, 71, 54,
its the Lord Deputy
[4 7], 74, 72, that if you find not a means to prevail by 1 30 her own
the f y
true and serious information it will be all naught, 86, 37, 79,
n e the church
63, 44, contemptible, and 85, 32, 55, 53, 69, 33, 56 undone.
the Lord Deputy the King.
Therefore I pray do what you can with 130 and 100.
Ccetera Deo.
My Lord, I wish the Lord Chancellor of Ireland very well,
for his ready complying with you in the King's and the
Church's service. But when, a reward was proposed for him at
the Committee,! confess I much wondered at it that the Broad
Seal should not bring reward enough with it, to him that
keeps it. And though it be far less than the place here, yet
I can hardly conceive it so little as to need any other reward
than its own fees. And truly, iny Lord, I arn more afraid of
the example than the thing. And if the Committee stand
affected 'as they did at the last meeting, it can never pass.
Yet, my Lord, though it go against the hair with me, if I find
the Committee any way inclining to favour his Lordship in
this suit, I shall for your sake, not for the reasons given in
the despatch to Mr. Secretary, go on the favourable way
for him,
I thank vour Lordship for your noble and great care of
Y [Dr. Kobert Ussher had been
appointed to the Archdeaconry of
Meath, on vacating the Provostship
of Trinity College. See vol. vi. p.
336.]
w [See above, p. 150.]
* [In MS. '51,' an evident mis
take.]
LETTERS. 165
saving all the possessions to the Church in this great office A.D. 1635.
for the King in Connaught. And I am wonderful glad to
hear the wonders that the good Bishop of Elphiny hath done
in those parts. I believe 'tis a greater miracle than many
Jesuits have bragged on.
I am come to the postscript of your long despatch. "Tis
but how damnably you are troubled with the Lord Mount-
norris2. If Secretary Coke will move concerning it, though
I love that lord very well, yet certainly I shall do justice.
For I hold it most unfit to have the King's affairs troubled
by men that gain so much by thema ; besides their honour,
which was never given to trouble affairs, though it many
times follows when it is placed upon ill-minded men.
Now to your last of the 20th of July. The King hath
given the Bishopric of Downe to Dr. Leslyeb, and his par
sonage in commendam. And 1 have obtained further for
him power to receive one benefice more for his support,
if need be. But his Treasurership in St. Patrick the King
will not grant him. So you may dispose of that where you
will. And I shall thank you heartily if you think upon the
Provost c ; for the careful place is his, and of great use to
settle. And ergo, I shall be glad of any good and near
addition to his means.
But whereas out of your goodness you say, to the Provost
or Croxton you mean to give it, and give reasons why the
Provost should be preferred; I am sorry you do so ; for were
Croxton never so right in your opinion and mine too, yet
I protest I should condemn myself if I should think on him
compared with the Provost. But, my Lord, I am sorry with
all my heart the young man plays the fool with his means,
and the ungrateful unmannerly beast with you.
I suspected nothing of this in him. I had no interest but
the providing of him for Lord Mountnor-ris at his entreaty.
Being ill-used there, I took myself bound in honour, having
sent him from his friends into another country, to see him, if
I could, better used and provided for. This your favour made
r [Edward King.] » [Mountnorris was the Vice,-
7- [See Wentworth's opinion of him Treasurer of Ireland.]
in his despatch. of April 7, 1635, to b [Henry Leslie.]
Secretary Coke. (StrafForde Letters, c [William Chappell.]
vol. i. p. 402.)]
166 LETTERS.
D 1635 me happy to do. But since his carriage is such, and his folly
too, let him smart for both. If you make him able to live,
you do nobly and beyond his desert, and I take it as for my
sake ; but till he so reform himself as to gain your favour
again, he shall have none of mine, nor will I further look
after him.
And now, my Lord, I have nothing left but that which
I have taken most care of and can least help, and that is
Mr. Cressy's cased. And first (I pray, my Lord, believe me,
for it is most true), I scarce ever followed a business with
more care than I have done that, both to the King and
the Lord Keeper, or any other interested in it. But I can do
no good. Now I received the case as you sent it, and was in
good hope that might satisfy. And for both mine and your
Lordship's satisfaction, I sent the case to my Lord Keeper,
who returned me this answer upon it, which I here send you
inclosed, under his own hand ; and what is more to be done
I protest I know not. And now, since the appeal hither is
thought legal, the Duke c appeals earnestly to the King on
behalf of Bruce.
My Lord, I am very weary, yet one thing is come into my
head which I will be bold to put to your consideration. 'Tis
this. Your Lordship complains of the ruinousness of your
body, and I must not forget the age and weakness of mine.
I see you keep copies of your large letters to me. I keep
none of them I send you. Yours I keep, as I presume you
do mine. The cipher between us both you and I have. By
that cipher all our letters may be read when we are dead.
Some things you know are personal, and such as, though not
hurtful, yet such as neither of us would have some men
see. We are both in place. We are not like to die both
together. What ! if our papers be gotten into the hands of
someCalabr ien
71, 49, 61, 43, 32, 40, 59, 41, 31, 69, 47, 42, 63 f, 19, 25,
Cottington
do you not think that 110 and 29, with their fellows, would
be very angry, and help to vex the survivor all they can,
Cottington the Treasury
especially if 110 play the crab, and go backward into 105?
d [See above, p. 142.] f [See above, pp. 145, 161.]
e [The Duke of Lennox.]
LETTERS. 167
Think of this, and whether it were not better to burn A. D. 1635.
me
all that passes between 17, 24, 102, and 27, 200, 203, and
yourself f o o 1 e
130, and then laugh freely both at 37, 51, 50, 60, 45, 16,
and knave
83, 5, 7, 57, 63, 40, 52, 44.
I pray let me have your opinion of this, and Til be guided
by you, and ever be found
Your Lordship's faithful Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Croydon, July, ult. &
Aug. 3rd, 1635.
LETTER CCLXXXIV.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,
I RECEIVED your letters of the 7th of August, from
Rhenen ; on the behalf of Dr. Hassall, Dean of Norwich *,
for his further preferment. And as I have been, so I shall be
always ready to do the best offices I can for any deserving man
whom your Majesty shall please to recommend to me.
Concerning this gentleman and his present suit, I do
hereby give your Highness account. I made him Dean of
Norwich merely for your sake, whom he had served at the
Hague, and had the happiness to urge that to the King
my master, which prevailed for him when his other friends
gave it over. Now a fortnight before your Majesty's letters
came to me, he was with me, and though I can undertake
nothing of myself, yet I promised him (if it lay in my power)
to help him to a better Deanery, or something else to advance
« [John Hassall was nominated in the Low Countries,' and for the
Dean of Norwich in 1628. He was 'singular good repute' he gained
highly spoken of as ' a diligent and among the soldiers. (Wood, F. 0. i.
faithful preacher of the word of God 424, 425.)]
168 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. his means, the want whereof was all his complaint to me
After this he brought me your Majesty's letters, by the post
script whereof I first discovered his aim was to be Bishop ol
Norwich11, whereas himself knows as well as I that the King
will make none Bishops but such as he hath some knowledge
of himself, as having been his own Chaplains in Ordinary of
otherwise. Beside, the King had then designed the Bishop
of Hereford, Dean of his Chapel1, to remove to Norwich, that
See requiring a man whom he might trust ; and so much I
then was confident of in myself, but held it no good man
ners to prevent my master till he was graciously pleased to
discover himself, which he hath since done.
I should here end, being very unwilling to make any com
plaint. But Dr. Hassall, when he delivered me your Majesty's
letters (which I shall ever both receive and observe as beseems
me), carried it so high upon his own merit, that I dare say,
had he so done to my predecessor, he would soon have found
he had done amiss. But I shall, for his reference to your
Majesty, pass over this, and do that which shall beseem me
for him in anything as I may be able to prevail with his
Majesty. I crave pardon for this length. And with remem
brance of my humble duty and service, shall ever remain
Beady at your Majesty's command^,
Croydeu, Septemb. 11, 1635.
Endorsed :
• D. Hassall.
Kecep. Aug««. 23, 1635.
4 from the Queen of Bohemia con-
cerning him. With yB Copye of
mye answear, Septeb. 11, 1635.'
b [This See was now vacant by the J [This letter is written on the
death of Richard Corbet, on July 28.] back of the Queen of Bohemia's
» [Matthew Wren,] Letter of August 14, 1635.]
LETTERS. 169
A. D. 1635.
LETTER CCLXXXV.
TO THE LOUD VISCOUNT WENT WORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam ]
Salutem in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
THESE letters shall trouble you with nothing but one par
ticular which I am commanded to write unto you. A fuller
state of the business you will find in the Petition enclosed,
than I am able otherwise to make, and therefore I shall not
hold jou long with any discourse about it. Only I shall
briefly tell you how it came to my hands, what the King
thinks of it, and what both your Lordship and myself are
required to do in it.
It came to me recommended from my Lady Duchess of
Buckingham her Grace, who, your Lordship cannot but
know, hath some interest in the Petition as her state now
stands, being married to the Lord Dunluce. And she, having
done like a good mother towards the children of the Duke,
did in a manner join with this petitioner to find favour from
the King in the particulars mentioned in the Petition. And
she was pleased to entreat me to deliver the Petition, hoping
not to speed the worse thereby. This I did on Sunday last,
the 13th of this present September.
His Majesty's answer was, that he held the Petition in
itself not reasonable, — that it was of greater consequence
than to receive a present answer, — that the Earl of Antrim
was rich, and that he had no great reason to spare him
in what was due to himself. That if he had a warrant
under the Great Seal of England (as is pretended), valeat,
ut valere potest. That howsoever he could do nothing in
this till he had acquainted your Lordship with it, arid had
received your answer for the justice and conveniency of the
thing. That for that which concerned the Lady Duchess in
particular, he could take that into after consideration when he
saw the whole matter laid before him.
Thus much, my Lord, the King commanded me to write
unto you, and to enclose this Petition, which I have done
170 LETTERS.
A. D. 1035. accordingly. Against the King's profit I can neither say
nor write anything. And if I should so forget myself, I know
it would work little upon your Lordship, further than to pity
me in such an error, which I hope I shall never occasion you
to do. My Lord, his Majesty expects that you send over
as speedy an answer as you can, to me if you please, that so
he may see what is your judgment concerning the whole
business. And then he will do thereupon what shall be
fittest. In the meantime, all that I shall desire for my
honourable friend the Lady Duchess is but this, that where
insoever you shall find her concerned in jointure or otherwise,
you would do her all the kindness you possibly can for my
sake, his Majesty's rights being first preserved. And in this
I hope you will not refuse me. So hoping that you are
come as well in health as for the despatch of your business
from the plantation of Connaught, I leave you to God's
blessed protection, and rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.k
Croydon, Sept. 16th, 1635.
Eec. Oct. 12, by Tho". Forster.
LETTER CCLXXXVI.
TO THE LOUD VISCOUNT WENT WORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
Sal. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
SINCE I writ last to your Lordship about my Lord of
Antrim's business at the King's command, I am desired by
my Lady Duchess to move your Lordship that you would be
pleased not to bring the business into the Court of Wards
there, till you have given his Majesty an accompt of the
k [Wentworth's reply to this and 9th of the following March. (See
the next letter was written on the Stralibrdc Letters, vol. i. p. *>J7.)J
LETTERS. 171
business ; that so the King may declare his further pleasure A. D. 1635.
as he shall find cause.
As for the Earl of Antrim's grant, which the King leaves
to a valere ut potest, I doubt not but you will hear him,
and his counsel, what he can say for himself. But all this
is, and must be written with the same caution that my
former letters are, that is, with preservation of that which
shall appear to be his Majesty's rights.
So I take my leave again, and with prayers for your health
shall ever rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Croydon, Sept. 18th, 1635.
Kec. 12th Oct. by T. Forster.
P.S. I am told my former letters are not gone, and there
fore I send these to bear them company.
LETTER CCLXXXVII.
TO THE LOKD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VEEY GOOD LORD,
I AM heartily glad to hear from you, and that you are
come back safe to Dublin, but sorry your health hath failed
you so much in the end of your journey. My Lord, such a
disease as the gout, and such a fit of it as you had in the
spring, could not but presage somewhat against the autumn.
And surely if you have care, as you ought, to preserve your
self to serve God, the King, and the Church, you must
observe all things that may keep off that returning enemy,
which once in possession will never be quite outed. Above
all things, take heed of sitting up too late; I believe (as well
as you loved it) you will find it one of your greatest enemies,
Lord Cottington
and worse than 110 other put together.
The fitting of the College with plantation land I leave
172 LETTERS.
and
A.P. 1635. wholly to you as you bid me. But concerning 29, 17, 83,
Ld. Cottington and h i s Treasurer
110, 84, 55, 46, 71 being 105, I am absolutely of
your opinion with you, that it will not only not be well, but
extremely ill done, and disliked by all that have not turns
to serve- the King
But I differ from you, that 100 will not adventure much
the Lord Depufy
with that pilot ; and though you hear so much from 130
herself, yet I for my part cannot believe it. First, because
I have seen, and heard so much let fall, that I think 16, 5,
the King
8, 2000 and 100 do all of them love and trust the waiting
woman as well or better than the old Lady Mora herself.
Lord Cottington
And secondly, because both 2000 and 110 have said they will
the Treasurership
never love 105 so well as to open their mouth for her, yet all
the Court sees it. And a great man told me expressly that
Lord Cottington
14, 5, 10 and 110 were all joined, and all possible means
* the Queen, Ld. Holland, H. G e r m a n1 that
made by 101, 112, 56, 38, 45, 69, 61, 42, 63, 87, 17,
h e the Treasurership.
15, 55, 43 might have 105. And they are all sure.
For my part, my prayer goes with yours, that all may be
for the best ; but if it prove so in that way, I am mistaken.
I thank you for your character of Sir Ar. Ingramm. I did
understand the man indifferent well before, but now much
the King
better. And whatever he may be for the service of 100, yet
Lord Cottington.
methinks he might do well to be joined with 17 or 110. There
he could not but learn better breeding, and in the meantime
he might drive the bargains. For your brother, I have done
him the best service I could. And pray thank him for his
kind letter of thanks to me, and excuse my not writing back,
for it was no business but compliment, and I have no leisure
for that.
I do confess the conveyance of wools into Scotland, and
thence into foreign parts, hath long, and doth still trouble
me. I cannot upon the sudden except against your advice
1 [Henry Jermyn.] m [So? vol. vi. p. 423.]
LETTERS. 173
of calling the gentlemen of Northumberland and Cumberland A. B. 1635.
to consultation. All I fear is the King will hardly find any
that will be active and true to him, should that way [go] on.
the King
But a greater fear there is that 19, 27 and 100 will think too
S c o t Ian d
much of 72, 33, 50, 74, 60, 41, 63, 35, in the business, yet
I shall adventure once again, and perhaps oftener ; but I am
alone in these things which draw not private profit after
them.
Dr. Athertonn hath been with me, but so far from resign- I know he
ing his benefice, as that all his suit was for longer time to resign his
hold it. I remitted him to his own Bishop, for my judgment benefice if
you know. And whatever the Bishop of Bath0 do, yet I would
believe I shall call him to residence. As for his living, he ^ghter8
hath so little power with his patron to bring it to my dispose, or give
that there is an advowson granted of it by the patron. All Excellent
which I believe the Doctor knew when he made such a fair
T . simony.
offer to your Lordship.
The next passage doth much trouble me, both for the pub
lic and yourself. That you should find such a sudden decay
in your body, I hope it is but imagination, and melancholy
thoughts, caused and increased by the sad and unexpected
news of your sister's death?. 1 must needs think it a heavy
blow both upon her husband and yourself, and the worst dish
by far that was served in at table. But, my Lord, among
many brothers and sisters (you say you were eleven) some
must in all probability hasten on before others.
My mother had ten, I was the tenth, and was paid to the
Church, and there are but myself and a half-brother left*.
Good my Lord, gather up your spirits (as you say you will),
for if you fail, I will lay down those few hopes which I have
yet much ado to keep alive.
And I pray remember, the 7th of October next I enter
my climacterical year of 63, and ergo, you may give me leave
to go before you.
And indeed, my Lord, I am going to settle all things, for
besides that I have more cause to doubt myself, than I boast
n [See above, p. 131.] of Goldisburgh.]
o [William Pierce.] i [Dr. William Robinson.]
P [Mary, wife of Sir Richard Morton,
174 LETTERS.
w
..D.1G35. of, my mind is much troubled with some things here 76, 17,
hichlcannot hel
55, 46, 33, 56, 48, 32, 40, 64, 63, 50, 73, 29, 55, 43, 59,
66. Howsoever, I am glad the wardship of your son is settled,
and I hear it was done with so general good liking, that
Lord Cottington's
you had the forward consent of more than 110 friends that
appeared for you in the cause. This may be some comfort
for you.
It is well the Lord of Cork hath set up his Tomb in
St. Patrick's, under the arch, a far fitter place than over the
altar. And there let it stand for me too ; only I wish it had
the inscription which the tale you tell applies to it. The
only disproportion I conceive of it now is, that so massy a
tomb should stand upon Cork.
I know .what uncertainty doth in such affairs, yet I am
Lord Cottington the King
still of opinion that 110 and 2000 will work off 100 from
the B. of L i nr
prosecution of 85, 30, 17, 49, 37, 15, 59, 47, 64, especially
b e
if they 30, 44, 105 in number8. My reason is, because I
the King
hear nothing of late but fears that 100 cannot carry it ; the
the Lord Deputy
other, that 130 hath so many friends, &c. And I am sure
be c a u g h
he will now want none that can 31, 45, 30, 50, 54, 38, 55,
74, 18.
the Queen Lord Cottington
'Tis not strange that 101 should increase into 110 for the
Lord Treasurer.
making 105. I have given you my grounds already, and
will not repeat. But wot you what? 7, 19, 23, 29, 16, and
4 are all quite lost, and but ciphers in court. Yet did I
Sir R. W y n n
never hear but from you that 71, 5, 70, 75, 79, 64, 63,
Cottington
though I confess marvellous inward with 110, should succeed
the waiting woman. Much joy may they have together,
quoth the good fellow when he saw the man and his horse
stuck fast in the quagmire. Indeed, I think, God save' her
r [Bishop of Lincoln.] • [That is, if he becomes Lord High Treasurer.]
LETTERS. 175
worship, she is a buzzard indeed; and if it so fall out, her A.D. 1635.
mistress must do all the work. In the midst of all this Court
news, I must tell you that while the King was in progress,
and the Queen at Oatlauds, your ancient friend the Lord
Cottiugton feasted the Queen at Hanworth, and he performed
Lord Cottington
it most nobly and like himself. And though perhaps 110,
and
84, her other friends were not pleased with it, yet the Queen
(as I hear) exceedingly well content ; and did invite herself.
I have done with the soap business. And there is working
already that they may not be held to their contract. Never
any man was so used on all sides as I was in that business;
yet if the King may gain by it, and the public be satisfied,
I am content to suffer. My way, I am sure, would have
brought both ends together, and that is good in a pudding,
the Earl Marshal th e y
As for 107 and his fellows, I did never doubt but 90, 45, 80,
19 were 65, 45, 63, 74, 47, 51, 64, 44, 70, 72. And let
me tell you when a 66, 69, 48, 53, 40, 74, 29, 22, 73, 52,
rn served the Earl Marshal
69, 64 is to be 71, 43, 70, 53, 45, 35, 17 and 107 is almost
as good as the other you name, though he can tell how to
me
cover it better, and is extreme jealous of 102. He were best,
I see, keep out of the way.
The Impropriations, for God's sake, settle with all the speed
you can ; for if they die in your hands, I will never hope to
see them live again, nor the Church by them. And time
Lord Cottington
is precious. If 110, contrary to the nature of arithmetic,
the Treasurership
should go back into 105, I cannot tell what trick may yet be
played, I meet so many. My Lord, I shall easily believe, if
you say you know it, that the waiting gentlewoman was as
your Lordship
stirring as the Lady Mora, to ruin so many as 130 at once.
About customs it was, you say. And is it their custom
too ? I promise you I doubt it much, for I have of late had
more cause to observe them than heretofore. You say this
waiting wench is the shrewdest to insinuate herself into
another, that is in the whole world again, especially hand to
176 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. hand. How now, my Lord, so familiar acquaintance and
hand to hand ? I hope 'twas before you were married, or
that your wife is not acquainted with it. But to say truth,
I have often heard she is a dangerous wench, and I have
Laud
desired 102, and his friends 13 and 24 (for they are all he
hath in Court, though he had 100 more than they once), to
preserve, by all the counsel he could give, the judgment of
the King
100 free and entire, and that this wily wench might not
Laud
get too much interest in that friend of yours ; but 102
tells me plainly, and I believe him, 'tis too late. She hath
long had more credit there than himself. And her oppor
tunities are so many, and her practices so fair, and her
insinuations so cunning, that he swears he hath no hope to
the Treasurership
break the match. And if that go on to 105, say what you
Laud
can she must and will be trusted. Yet 102 said this in my
the King
hearing, before 100 men and women, that he would give over
all hopes to see things mend, if that match go on. I thought
this was home ; but if you will have him say any more, you
must tell me what, and I will put him to it again.
But ere I pass this point, give me leave to be as free with
you, as you have been with me. You say this waiting woman
is the shrewdest wench to insinuate that can be. I'll con
firm your judgment by an instance, but I must have you
keep it to yourself, for I take no notice of it here, though it
Lord Cottington wit
ring about both my ears. 110 hath gotten 17, 75, 47, 73,
h i n Sec. Windebank
55, 48, 63, 115, and the waiting woman is the cause of all,
and so far, that whereas you once writ to me that, howsoever
the lady and her maid snarled one at another, yet the waiting
maid in all public business left all others, and, as her duty
was, followed her lady.
But now the course hath fallen out otherwise with me,
and so as I little expected, for I have all fair carriage, and all
h e j
other respects in private, but in the public 56, 45, 19, 46,
o i n s w i th Cottington.
49, 47, 63, 72, 28, 14, 76, 49, 90, 110. Insomuch that in
LETTERS. 177
the soap business, where I thought I had all the reason A.D. 1635,
and justice, yea and service to the King too, on my side, I
him.
was deserted, and the opposite assisted by 95fc. And not in
Commi ss ion
this alone, but in the 33, 51, 61, 62, 46, 72, 71, 48, 50, 64,
for the T r e a s u r y,
13, 12, 15, 36, 49, 69, 86, 74, 70, 44, 40, 72, 54, 70, 80,
Sec. Windelmnk Lord Cottington
115 went stiffly with 28, 15, 110 and the rest; that it was
the King
not fit, nor no good could come of it, that 100 should know
his owne estat
55, 46, 71, 18, 20, 50, 75, 63, 43, 25, 43, 72, 74, 41, 73.
Now the thing that troubles me is this — that all should be
as fair, and as much profession as ever, and a desertion of me
in such open, honourable, and just ways as these. I hope
h e
'tis impossible 56, 44 should intend me ill. So did I think
the other too, till I found the contrary. And now it is speech
everywhere, which I cannot help. In the meantime, is not
this waiting gentlewoman (your old acquaintance hand to
hand) very dangerous to insinuate ? I have hitherto spoken
nothing of this, but I confess I am very full and much
troubled, both in myself and for the thing, and how to carry
that I k n o w e th
it. But I pray no word to any 87, 47, 58, 63, 51, 76, 43, 89,
i s s
46, 72, 71. Yet what to do, or how to regulate myself, I
shall thank you for it. the. Lord Deputy
Now it is pretty discourse you had with 130. But you say
the Treasurership
you cannot prevail with her to take 105, and ergo, you advise
me to leave it as a desperate case. So I will when I cannot
choose, but wish it I must for the public. And why should
the Lord Deputy
you lay it aside as a desperate case ? Was that woman 130
Lord Cottington
always such a true prophet to you? Be it so ; yet since 110 i have-
hath spoken for it so heartily for you, I see no reason why sincef«»»<f
you should lay down your hopes of such a trifle in Ireland as sounding
the Treasurership Lord Holland 200> 29,17,
I hold 105 there to be. Besides, if 112 kindnesses more have and'ioo g
about this,
1 [See entries in Diary for May, June, and July of this year.] said they
LA.UD. — VOL. YT. APP. N
178 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. been offered you, wliat may you not do? Even so, and no
helrd of Otherwisc- In UOVa f€rt animus' the Treasurer and
Well then, somewhat I see there was given to 18, 24, 105, 83,
report. ^ y Lord Cottington.
30, 79, 15, 110. And yet used so as 130 more at least have
been used besides yourself. It is strange it should be so.
And yet though you cry, ' Away with those beads/ with this,
that he that finds them next shall in conclusion give himself
Sec. Windebank
no thanks for taking them up ; I must tell you 115 wear
Lord Cottington
them very familiarly, and 29, 14, and 110 are observed to
Windebank
strive to put 115 and 27, 28 into all the employment that
can be. And some think this is done in cunning to oblige
and work their ends. Multo magis mihi ut incommodent,
quam ut obsequantur grato.
I leave Mrs. Browne's business, and the Act of State con
cerning Simony, to your further care and best opportunity.
I have read the two duplicates in your despatch, noted with
Cottington.
the number 110. Truly, my Lord, if done purposely, the
devil was at his beads indeed. But be not offended if I
interpret an enemy as fairly as I can. If she showed that
Lord Keeper Coventry
letter to 104 the devil himself was in it. But methinks it
should not be so, because they two either hate the one the
other, or are very near it. It may be therefore this waiting
woman was drolling about it (for that is her fashion ex
tremely), and did it so often, and in so many companies, as
Coventry
that at last some false brother or sister acquainted 104 with
it, and so it came out.
And let me tell you, this wily wench shoots out some
things that way, which else could never be gotten from her.
Pardon me, this is but my conjecture upon the business, and
in the way of charity.
I am glad you have received the Tables of Fees which I
sent you. I know there is great need of some regulation
there. And for the Chancellor, if his place be not worth
£500 a year, I shall think the reward asked for him hath
been deserved by him, and shall, if it be proposed while I am
present, do him none but good offices. I thank you for the
LETTERS. 1 79
Provost with all ray heart. I hope he will deserve it of that A.D. 1035.
Church and you. As for Croxton, I have done with him,
only do in your mercy to him what you will.
In Mr. Cressy's business you see now, I hope, I have done
all I fairly could. And for my own part, I ever found that
Coventry
104 and 29 lay heavy upon him and his cause. I conceived
the Duke of Lennox
that grew upon 106 and 23 showing themselves. But now
I doubt there may be more in it, upon my reading the two
Cottington.
duplicates figured with the No. 110. I have received the
Lord Keeper's letter which you sent back, by which you have
seen what his Lordship's opinion is. And if the case of
Siuiony be so clear, it is well you have so good proof as the
contract extant. And I will not fail truly to inform his i have
Majesty how you have carried yourself in the whole business. done li'
Now, my Lord, for our letters. I grant there may be a
necessity of keeping them for businesses that pass ; and you
the E. of Cork's
have made it exquisitely appear in 132 case, and the collec
tion you have made upon it. But, my Lord, all that exact
collection (I pray God, your drudging about it hurt you not)
the King
makes up but this one thing — that 2000 and 100 have from
time to time upon all motions from me and in presence of 29
i t
been very constant and resolute 47, 73 should go on, and
Ireland.
in 170. And this you knew without this pains, and I must
the King
affirm it. But should 2000 or 100 deny it, all these letters
could not be produced. So for that, keeping and not keeping
comes much to one. But let what necessity will be for busi
ness, the other things upon the bye, which being merrily
written, yet not without a quid vetat ridentem dicere verum,
are they which I think least fit to be seen by others. And
since you resolve to keep them, I thank you for your care to
seal up mine, if God give you any warning, and leave them
for me. The like I shall certainly do for you. But then, if
you resolve on this way, I must put some one of your scribes
to a great deal of pains to transcribe all my lettei's to you,
and send them to me. For I profess I have not (through
N 2
180 LETTERS.
A. P. 1635. want of providence, and to avoid my secretary's pains) kept
one copy of any of my letters sent to you ; perchance now
I shall, and begin with this. No man's eye hath ever been
upon my cipher, but my own. But I shall hereafter learn
from you to decipher in another paper, and burn it so soon
as I have written an answer. And for your freedom to me,
I think I have requited it with like freedom, and shall retain
that which is freely committed to me with trust equal to your
B. o f L
expectation. Nor shall you ever find me a 30 : 49, 36, 60,
i n c o 1 n
48, 63, 32, 50, 59, 64, or that which is as bad as all
Lord Cottington.
those, 110.
Now, my Lord, I have been at Court, and shall give answer
in that whirh follows to those things which I could not speak
Windebank
to till I had moved the King. And first, 115 had moved
the King
100, 29, 15, 23, and all the rest, according to your letters ;
that the E. of Cork c o
and a resolution was taken 87, 132, 19 should not 32, 49,
me over
61, 44 u, 15, 50, 53,44,69. Yet, because in your private ad
vertisements to me about that matter, you write that you will
not stir, bark who will, till you hear from me by this return :
these are further and fully to satisfy you — first, that though
the King
2000 and 100 had set their resolution as before ; yet I read to
his Majesty the full conclusion of those papers of your Lord
ship's, where upon the whole matter you give your opinion
the E. of Cork doe prove
tjms,— -that if 132, 34, 51, 43, 16, not 66, 70, 50, 53, 45,
the W a r and F e 1 and s o
19, 24, 85 consent of 75, 40, 69 : 84, 36, 43, 59V : 83, 71, 49,
44, be found 39, 54, 47, 60, 73, 79, 45, 27, 48, 37, 36, 49*',
r g ing
70, 38, 19, 47, 63, 39, then there will be a necessity of a
public and open proceeding. And so think 100 more besides
u [In MS. ' 40,' an obvious mif- 1635. (Strafforde Letters, vol. i. p.
take.] 430.)]
v [That is, of 'Warden and Fellows' w [In MS. '46,' which has no
of the College ofYoughal. See Went- meaning.]
worth's Letter to Laud, August 26,
LETTEKS. 181
yourself1, of which I confess I am one. Therefore in that A. D. 1035.
the E. of Cork
case you must go on. Secondly, if 2000, 132, 24, or any
other can sufficiently prove the consent, then though you
submit all to his Majesty's goodness, yet in that he will not
the King
leave you without direction; which is 100, 17, and 29 will
the E. of Cork
not by any means have either 2000 or 132 or any other
the Earl w h o 1
number above 5 come hither, but leaves 132, 76, 55, 49, 59,
ye to your man
79, 44, 19, 73, 50, 10, 80, 51, 53, 70, 11, 14, 25, 62, 41, 64,
agin g e the a r
40, 38, 47, 63, 39, 45, 86, 42, 69, 27, 5, 18, 2000. So you
see you are every way held worthy of trust.
Now then you must become accountable, as you say you
honor and j u s t i c e
will, for 55, 49, 63, 51, 69, 83, 47, 52, 71, 73, 46, 32, 45, 21,
iftheproc ee dings
48, 36, 86, 66, 70, 50, 33, 45, 43, 19, 34, 47, 63, 38, 72, 15,
be p r e s
30, 45 public. But in the other case, if you 65, 70, 44, 71,
e r v e the E. of Cork shame
44, 70, 52, 45, 20, 26, 132 from 72, 55, 41, 61, 43, that then
that the c o o f Youghal? b e
you provide 87, 200, 86, 32, 50, 51, 37, 151, 31, 45, 2, 5,
29 fully and in all parts and points 69, 43, 91, 49, 69, 43, 35,
and the island thowsan
84, all 85, 48, 71, 60, 40, 63, 34; ten 90, 51, 75, 71, 42, 64,
d pound fyneatl
35, 14, 65, 51, 54, 64, 34, 13, 29, 37, 80, 64, 45, 41, 73, 59,
e a st
44, 40, 91, more if you can. And that by letter an
acknowledgment b
42, 32, 58, 63, 50, 75, 60, 45, 34, 39, 61, 44, 63, 73, 17, 30,
e HI a d e t o the King that
43, 27, 9, 62, 40, 35, 43, 74, 51, 100, 88 all is done with
i n k e e p i n g him f
justice and favour, 47, 63, 57, 44, 43, 65, 48, 64, 38, 96, 37
rom shame
69, 51, 62, 13, 24, 71, 56, 40, 62, 45. So now I hope you are
past all rocks in this business, for all is immovably set, if
anything be immovable in this world. And 'tis a wonder to
see 100 men together so constant 2.
* [That i*, 'the King.'] * [College of Youghal.]
* [That if, ' the King so constant.']
182 LETTERS.
A. D. 1035. As for the long paper that cost you so much pains to recol
lect, not without hazard of your health, I made no use of it,
but to lie by me, that I may wonder at the pains. For the
King would none of it, nor 100 neither. So that all the
keeping of our letters hath proved useless in this.
the King
For neither did 200, nor 29, nor 100 deny anything that
you the E. of Cork
I had formerly written to 130, 15 and the rest about 132
and 27, and should any of them have denied it, neither 16
you I
nor 130 nor 102 might have produced their letters against
them, as I have written before. Yet I have kept a copy of
this letter, since you think fit I should do so.
I have acquainted his Majesty likewise with your judg
ment of the Lord Kirkcudbright's case. And he likes it
well, that Ireland should serve itself first of its own land.
And he promises to keep himself unengaged upon the Planta
tions of Connaught ; ergo, I pray be careful that you may
have thanks for your advice. Yet thus much the King com
manded me to write in that Lord's behalf; — That if without
offering at any Scottish exchange, he will come in as a free
planter, give and do as other men, your Lordship in that case
should not refuse him ; for the King says he is a very honest
man.
Concerning the Plantation of Galway, that great Earl and
his sona, you will receive very good content by Secretary
Coke b. And for the remedy of transporting wool by Scotland,
I have moved again, sed non promoveo. So I begin to think
it will be hard to remedy.
I showed the King that passage also in your letters, —
' how necessary it is for him to understand the best and
worst of his estate/ — and I think so much is gained, that we
a Lord Treasurer
shall not see 105 till that be done. Though I daily see that
^ Lord Cottington
200 and 110 oppose it with might and main, yet this I think
Lord Cottington
withal, that after all is done 110 or 29 or 200 will be settled
in it, and work miracles for them whom it most concerns.
_ a [Pvichard de Burgh. Earl of Clan- (See Strafforde Letters, vol. i. pp. 451,
rickarde, and his son Ulick de Burgh scg.)]
(then Viscount Tunhridge), who after- h [See Strafforde Letters, vol. i. p.
wards succeeded him in the title. 4<54.1
LETTERS. 183
There remains nothing now of your Lordship's letters, I A. D. 1635.
think, but that of Dr. Bruce. But I have (as yourself desired)
acquainted his Majesty with it in so many circumstances as
might help his Majesty fully to understand the business, both
h i s
in regard of my Lord Duke , as also 55, 46, 71, 15, 28,
SecretaryeM. M.
72, 45, 34, 69, 45, 74, 40, 70, 80, 43, 61, 20, 13, 62,
Webb
75, 44, 31, 30. Upon reading of that character, I found the
King knew the man, but no more. Neither did he give much
heed to the business. Yet he is very well satisfied with all
your carriage in it. Nor did I find anything stick.
And let him be what he will, you are too big to be caught
now in a spider's web.
I have done with your letters, and 'tis time. Now some
few other remembrances, and I will free you quite. And,
first, I am to recommend unto you a case of the Lord Arch
bishop of Dublin, which, I presume, for the Church's sake,
you will take into such consideration as is fit. I cannot
judge of the particular ; therefore I say no more. Only
I pray, if my Lord Archbishop come to you, let him know I I here send
have written. And I remember, in your Lordship's papers
about Galway d, there is speech of Richard de Burgo, and as bishop of
V1 , . . , . , . Dublin's
likely it is, he might give somewhat to the purpose as well as letters and
to other good ones. petition.
I find the lawyers here shy enough of Sir George RadclifFe's
case. All that I have gotten I send you here inclosed. By
that you will see a little. And whatever you would have
more done, send me word, and I will go on with all possible
speed. And if this do not reach the true intention of the case,
I pray show me wherein, and I will go on with it.
I send also a copy of the Statutes of the College of Dublin,
as well altered and ordered as I could in this short time, and
in this employment. I have advised the Provost (whom it
most concerns) to read them carefully over, and then, if you
can be at so much leisure to read them, to show them to
your Lordship. After they have passed his view and your
Lordship's, I would have them showed to the Lord Primate
of Armagh and the Lord Archbishop of Dublin, that such
just exceptions as shall be taken against them, being written
c [The Duke of Lennox.] * [See Straflbrde Letters, vol. i. p. 454.]
184 LETTERS.
1635. and returned to me, I may put a final end to them, and
submit them to the King's confirmation. In all which
business I shall be glad to be better directed by any.
I find the Provost is underhand crossed by the Senior
Fellows of the College, who are certainly backed by 23, 200
the Primate.
or 133. You cannot but know the case. And at present he
would (as I am informed) bring in a scholar of his to be Fel
low, but cannot for the opposition of the Seniors. I would
that your Lordship would think of some good means to
remedy this. And I remember you once writ to me, that
if some students were not chosen in from our Universities to
give example for learning and civility, that College would
hardly be rectified.
1 have, as I was going to seal these, received a petition in
a letter sent unto me from the Lord Archbishop of Tuam
and the Bishops of the Province of Connaught. The petition
they desire I would both deliver and further to his Majesty
in the behalf of their several Sees respectively. With this
they send me two petitions, the copies, it seems, of them which
were delivered your Lordship in Connaught.
They write they have desired your Lordship's favour and
assistance to the King ; which I am confident, in so just and
modest a suit, you will not deny them. Yet, because I find
nothing of it in your letters to me, I shall only feel the King
how he stands affected ; but will not deliver nor take notice
of any petition, till I hear how, and how much of their desires
you approve. But then I shall do them all the service I can.
And I am confident the King will in this follow your counsels,
for he now assured me so much in this particular.
Just now, William Raylton tells me a chief servant of
E, of Cork
the 132 is come to Court, but you may trust all that I have
written about [him] in 17, 28, 14, 200, this letter. For
the King
both 100 and 2000 tells me there shall be no variation.
I rest
Your Lordship's faithful Friend and humble Servant,
W. CANT.
Hampton Court,
October 4th, 1635.
Rcc"1. 12* of the saint,
V»y Tli
LETTERS. 185
A. D. 1635.
LETTER CCLXXXVIII.
TO THE QUEEN OP BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,
I RECEIVED your letters of September 5, by Sir Tho.
Culpeper6, and am glad to read in them your gracious
acceptance both of the counsel I was bold to give, and of
the message which I was more bold to send by Mr. GofFf.
Truly, Madam, they both proceeded from hearty affection to
your Majesty and your princely children, and nothing but
heartiness could have raised that boldness in me. And
now, since I have once made the adventure, I beseech your
Majesty 's pardon again, for I shall go on.
And first, I do again most humbly desire your Majesty to
demand of the Emperor Investiture for the Prince your son,
in a legal form. My reason is : That the Emperor may not
hereafter be able to say, he would have granted it if it had
been fairly and duly demanded by them whom it most con
cerns. It may be, and I fear His too certain that the Em
peror will deny it. Be it so, yet I would not he should be
able to say as before that it was never orderly demanded.
Because in that case, I know not what can be replied by any
friends you have ; besides (as I conceive) it will concern the
whole College of Electors that a demand be made, else if any
of them be minded to do him good, this very not demanding
may disenable them.
But your Majesty is pleased to say, ' There's time enough
for this till the new year, and that the Prince comes not to
his majority till then/ But will you, in a cause of this
moment and this difficulty, put it off to the last instant of
time in which it may be done ? May not some accident
e [This was probably Sir Thomas Countries, and was shortly after-
Culpepper of Harrietsham in Kent, wards appointed Colonel of the same
knighted by James I. in 1619. (Wood, Regiment. (See Strafforde Letters,
Ath. Ox. iii. 533.) He was now vol. i. p. 490.)]
a Lieutenant-Colonel of one of the f [See above, p. 153.]
English Regiment* in the Low
186 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. happen to binder the doing of it then, when there's no time
left to spare ? Doth not yourself write to me that all delay
is dangerous to you and advantageous to them ; and will you
delay in this, the greatest business of all as I conceive ?
But your Majesty writes further, that you will ask their
opinion of your son's friends in Germany, and that you have
written to them. Madam, I am confident no true and ad
vised friend can give you counsel not to demand Investi
ture, and the necessity of it is so evident, and the danger
(if it be not done) so imminent, that, if you have written, they
cannot but give you speedy and present answer, if they be
friends.
After this, your Majesty is pleased to write: ' That to tel] me
plainly the truth, you fear it will cause nothing but delay.
And that you are sure the Emperor will deny it, or not give
answer/ Suppose these, yet is it not much better to put him
to deny, than to give him a ground upon which he may
justly deny? And that certainly you do, if you demand not
Investiture. Again, if the Emperor give no answer, that
must be taken for a denial ; and a denial may touch all or
any of the College of Electors, whose case upon some pre
tence or other it may come to be. Besides, no prejudice can
come by his denying or not answering, more than is already ;
but mischief may follow upon not demanding, or not demand
ing in time. And were I never so sure of a denial, the more
careful would I be to make my demand to right myself.
But your Majesty says, ' 'Tis not possible for the Emperor
to go back from his word ; and having given the Investiture as
much as is in him to Bavaria, he cannot give two Investitures
to one and the same thing, and so all will be delay/ I con
fess your Majesty presses your business strongly. But,
Madam, I humbly beseech you, be not too resolute against
yourself. Have not as great princes as the Emperor (though
God hath now indeed made him great) gone back from their
words, yea, and manifestoes too in print, when reasons of
state have prudently and justly prevailed with them? And
surely 'tis possible the Emperor may see some good reason to
change his mind in this ; wise men think they see some, and
so may he. And though he cannot give two Investitures to
one and the same dignity at once, yet he may give two,
LETTERS. 187
one after another. And God knows, not we, how soon this A.D. 103i
may both seem and be good for himself, to give your son that
which he hath hitherto denied. Therefore, I shall humbly
pray you give him no just advantage, but demand Investiture.
And do not you delay because you fear he will, lest you
bring too late upon yourself, which God forbid.
Next, your Majesty is pleased to fear that this new sending
of the King's to Vienna will do no good, but delay time, and
that he which is sent will not be very importunate. Truly,
under your favour, and craving leave, I must think this new
sending may do much good. For the Emperor cannot but
send an answer; whatsoever that be, my most just and gracious
sovereign the King will be able to justify to the world he
hath sought all good means. And if after that any hurt
follow, the Emperor is left without all excuse. And for the
messenger, he is sent so instructed that, I believe, he will
not dare to delay, nay, I hope he will be civilly importunate.
And since the King is content to send for answer, I beseech
you to learn of him, and send to demand Investiture.
And now (may it please your Majesty to pardon my bold
ness) I have answered all these parts of your letter with a free
and a single heart ; and I do humbly beg it of you, that you
will advise seriously upon this sending to demand Inves
titure in a fair and legal way ; for I am of opinion (and
cannot see any motive why I should alter) that the demand
ing it may occasion much good, and that the not demanding
it must in all probability do mischief. I pray God bless your
Highness, to choose and pursue that way which may best and
soonest bring you to your most desired ends.
Your Majesty's free and most noble letters end in a double
request. The one is, that I would give you my best help to
put the King in mind not to suffer any delay; I know
you mean any delay that is in time to prevent : and that is
as soon granted as made. I shall ever do that faithfully.
And I know the King my master is not more careful of any
thing than he is of you and yours.
Your Majesty's other suit is, that I would believe your
Highness is confident of the assurance I have given you
of my affection, and that I would continue it. Madam, you
have done me much honour in this, and I shall, God willing,
188 LETi'ERS.
A. D. 1635. continue to serve you. And I shall do it with all duty and
affection. But I have one suit for both these to your
Majesty, and it is, that you would not expect my affection
should wander from my judgment, which is, that against all
seeming difficulties whatsoever, you would be pleased to
demand Investiture for the Prince your son, and with speed
answerable to the exigence of the cause.
So I humbly take my leave,
Your Majesty's to be commanded,
W. CANT.
Croydon, Octob. 6, 1635.
In all that you have written concerning Sir Thomas
Culpeper I shall readily obey your commands.
Endorsed :
'Octob. 6, 1635.
' The Copye of mye Leters to ye Q :
of Bohemia, to demand Investiture
for hir sonne.'
LETTER CCLXXXIX.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
S. in. Christ o.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE received a letter from the Lord Cromwell g. It
bears date August 14th, but it came not to my hands till the
9th of October. Had it come never so little sooner, I might
have done that which is desired at my hands, with more ease,
in the packet I lately sent, and by a quicker messenger;
whereas, now being put into the same hand that brought
mine, they may perhaps stay as long by the way.
My Lord, I know you understand me well, and I shall
never desire anything but what shall tend to the King's
service and honour, and your own also. And if I chance to
ask anything against either, you may (and I hope will) know
* [Thomas Cromwell. He was created Viscount Lecalc,and Earl of Ardglass
in Ireland.]
LETTERS. 189
it is out of some ignorance either of the things or the person. A. D. 1635.
And then freely use your own judgment.
It seems the Lord Cromwell being there in Ireland is very
desirous of some employment, and he hath often before his
going, and now again by these letters, been very earnest with
me to show him such favour as I might be able ; and par
ticularly to your Lordship, with whom he will not be per
suaded but that I have a great deal of power. And truly,
my Lord, I must acknowledge that here of late his respects
to me have been outwardly very fair ; and I hope he means
them accordingly.
And in the particular of St. Paul's, he did more than many
that have double his estate, and he did it in a very free and
noble way with me.
What particular he would be at is mentioned in the end
of his letters ; but because in the former part of them there
is that which relates to somewhat else in general, and ex
presses his own condition more than I am any way able to
do, being not there upon the place, I make bold to send you
his own letters here enclosed, both that you may fully see
what he desires for himself, and that I may desire nothing
for him that may cross with his own ends.
And first, I do hereby pray your Lordship to show him all
such lawful favour, as you shall find conducing to the King's
ends and his own good.
Next, I do heartily pray your Lordship to let the Lord
Cromwell know that I have written to you as he desires ; and
when I shall hear from you what you purpose to do, I shall
not fail to join with you in anything that may do the Lord
Cromwell good.
So, in term-haste, I leave you to the grace of God, and
rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.*
Lambeth, Oct. 12th, 1635.
Rec. Decr. 9, by the Lord Cromwell.
h [Wentworth replied to this letter on the 9th of March following. CSo(
Strafforde Letters, vol. i. p. 518.)]
1 90 LETTERS.
A. P. 1635.
LETTER CCXC.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTIT.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
Salutem in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE received a letter from the widow of Blagnall.
And I well remember the great controversy that was between
the now Earl of Cork and him at the Council-table.
I must confess, though the Lords were of another opinion,
there were some particulars of the Earl's part in which I was
not satisfied. My Lord, the poor woman in her letters to me
is very confident she shall receive justice from you, her cause
coming, as it seems now, towards a final hearing ; for I per
ceive by her letters, it is appointed for the 4th of November
next. All that she desires of me, or I of your Lordship for
her (for Blagnall was my countryman, and, I think, some
kin, though afar off), is that the day appointed for her hearing
may hold, that she may see some end of her troubles.
The rest she is very confident of, upon your justice and
nobleness ; and so am I, if her cause prove as good as she is
persuaded it is.
I pray, my Lord, if it lie in your power to remedy, let not
the EarPs greatness weary the poor woman out of her right
by delays ; and God's blessing be upon you for it. To whom
I leave you, and rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.1
Lambeth, Oct. 12th, 1635.
[ Wcntwort.h replied to this in the same letter of March
LETTERS. 191
A. D. 1635.
LETTER CCXCI.
DENT AND FELLOWS <
[St. John's College, Oxford.]
Salutem in Christo.
AFTER my very hearty commendations, &c.
I have now, by God's great mercy and goodness to me, over
come all difficulties, and finished my building at the College
for yours and your successors' use. And my desire presently
is, that to that use it may, with all convenient speed, be
applied. I once had a resolution to send you down a draught
of mine own, containing such things as I thought fit for the
good of the College, in relation to that which by this building I
had done for you. But after long and serious consideration,
I bethought myself that our worthy founderk (whose memory
I must and shall ever honour for my breeding there) is as
absolute against any other man's making any statutes or
ordinances to bind any Fellows of his College1 as he is
against any other man's addition of scholarships or fellow
ships to his foundation. And knowing that I stand bound
as well and as much as yourselves to the observance of
those Statutes, I have altered all my former resolution for
the way and the manner of it. Therefore now, I shall send
you down no ordinances of my own, but shall express all
my thoughts to you in such a way as shall be agreeable in
every circumstance to your local Statutes, and so come to
have the rigour and binding force of a statute by the founder's
own appointment, which no power of mine could otherwise
give them in that place.
My desire therefore to you the President and Senior Fellows
of the College is, that you would presently (according to the
form which your founder appoints you, in things necessary
and fit for the good of the College, but not expressed in
statute, nor contrary to it m) make a decree which may contain
k [Sir Thomas White.] lege; Conclusio Statutorum, p. 110.]
1 [See Statutes of St. John's Col- '" [Ibid. p. 111.]
9 LKTTKUS.
A. D. 1035. in it all these particulars following, which I having thought
upon for your good, am most confident you will not deny me.
So soon as you shall have made this decree, I desire it may
be engrossed into parchment, and the College Seal put to it,
and carefully sent by some one of the Fellows to my Lord
your Visitor11, that his Lordship's Seal also being put toit, it
may obtain the nature and power of a statute. And if you
let me know against which time you will be ready to send
this decree to my Lord of Winchester, I -will send you down
my letters also, that the Fellow which goes may carry them
likewise along with it.
By this you cannot but understand how willing I am to
keep the way directed in your Statutes, and therefore cannot
doubt of your readiness to go along with me in this way.
The particulars, therefore, which I desire may all be inserted
into the body of your decree, are these which follow : —
First, I desire you that you will decree (for I yield up
most freely and willingly all this building to the use and
benefit of the President, Fellows, and Scholars of that house
for the time being, and successively for ever) that the ad
ditions which I have made at the east end of the Library
shall go to the enlargement thereof, with such desks for
chained books as are already in other parts of the Library.
2 Secondly. I desire also that it may be decreed that the
upper room on the east side, towards the grove, which hath
a door into it out of the old Library, shall likewise be for an
inner Library, in which may be kept the manuscripts, and all
smaller books, which might otherwise be in danger of losing ;
or any other rarity which may in after times be given to that
College. As also all mathematical books and instruments
which myself (if God enable me) or any other shall give
unto the College. And I heartily pray the younger Fellows
and students there to give themselves more to those studies
than they have formerly clone. And since such mathe
matical books, instruments, and rarities of like nature, being
left open to common use, may easily be purloined or spoiled,
and are like so to be, I presume the College will deem it fit
to provide for their safe custody in like manner as they have
already done for their smaller books, by trusting the keys
• [The Bishop of Winchester.]
LETTERS. 193
of this library with the President only, and with the Library- A.D. 1635.
keeper ; and that he may be ready at all times by himself, or
a sufficient deputy, to be present with such as shall make
use of the books or instruments in that Library, I shall allow
unto him yearly out of the rents issuing out of my new
buildings, three pounds in moneys, to be paid in gross at the
audit, or fifteen shillings quarterly, as the President and
Seniors shall think meetest.
3. Thirdly. On the west side, I would pray you to assign over
in the same decree, the building over the cloister to the
use of the President for the time being, and his successors
for ever, for a gallery, or chambers, as he or they shall find
fittest for his or their own use, in regard my building there
hath dammed up the lights of his chambers towards the
east. This gallery or chambers I would have reach from
the east end of the Chapel southward to that partition
which I saw made, when I stepped in to see the buildings as I
passed through Oxford, September the 3d, 1635 °, containing
six windows towards the east. The rest of the building
over the said cloister I would have decreed to be for the
use of two chambers ; namely, part thereof for that of the
chamber or chambers joining to the President's lodging, and
which lately were assigned to my ancient friend, Sir William
Paddye p ; and the other part thereof for the use of the
chamber at the east end of the south side of the old quad
rangle ; to be for studies to those chambers, or to be put to
any other such use as they shall please, who shall from time
to time be placed in them.
4. Fourthly. On the north side I desire you to assign and
decree to the President's lodging and his successors for ever,
the outer part of the building which joins to his lodging
from the foundation to the roof, containing upon the ground
a buttery with cellarage underneath it, a kitchen, two larders,
two chambers over them, and the cocklofts, but no more.
5. Fifthly. I desire that you would decree the rest of the
buildings on the north side, both lower and upper chambers,
which are five double chambers, one single, and three cock
lofts, with studies ; as also all that I have built at the west end
0 [See Diary at that date.] P [See vol. iii. pp. 133, 136.]
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP. Q
194 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. of the Library, as well below as above stairs, towards the old
quadrangle, being three double chambers, and one single ; as
likewise that upon the ground on the east end under the
Library, for so much as enlarges the chamber that was
there by twenty foot, shall be let out unto such commoners
from time to time as shall live within the College, and at
such yearly rents as the President, with the major part of
the senior Fellows, shall think fit to set upon them, and
according to the rates usually set upon chambers of like
goodness in other colleges of that University.
6. Sixthly. I desire also it may be decreed that the President
for the time being and his successors for ever, may assign all
or any of these chambers to such commoners of the house as
he shall please, reserving power to myself during my natural
life, to place any commoner or other in any of the said
chambers, as I shall think fit. And though divers of these
chambers will be more commodious than many of those
which are in the old quadrangle, yet since it may seem most
agreeable with the Statutes of that College and the founder's
intention that the Fellows should content themselves with
the chambers which their founder left for them, I would that
the chambers in the new quadrangle might be reserved
entirely for commoners only.
7. Seventhly. Concerning the rent of these chambers, what
soever it shall rise to be, more or less, at the appointment of
the President and Seniors in their several times, I desire you
will decree shall be disposed as followeth :
1. As first, That the President and officers take the accompt
of those rents, as well as of other incomes, at the time of
their audit.
2. Secondly, That this money thus arising be kept con
tinually by itself, and not reckoned as any part of the
College stock. And to the end that this may be done with
better ease and safety, I have provided for you a little iron
chest or casket, in which that money may be so severally
kept. The placing of which chest in the tower of the Col
lege, and the key or keys of it, I leave wholly to your own
discretions, only desiring that you provide for safety.
3. Thirdly. My express will is (and I desire the President
and Fellows, in visceribus Jesu Christi, not to break my
LETTERS. 195
intentions herein), that the rents arising yearly out of my A. D. 1635.
new buildings, be thus for ever disposed : — First, that three
pounds be yearly paid (ut supra) to the Library-keeper.
Secondly, that either five pounds, or six pounds, thirteen
shillings, and fourpence (I leave it free to the President and
Seniors now being to pitch certainly upon either of these
sums, and accordingly do settle it for ever), be yearly sepa
rated and added to the College stock and the increase thereof.
Thirdly, so soon as the rent of the Chambers shall rise to the
sum of five hundred or one thousand pounds (be it at the
discretion of the President and Seniors, or major part of them,
from time to time to hasten or expect a purchase upon the
accruement of either sum), that the President and Seniors do
then with all convenient speed purchase land with that sum
of money, and that the annual rent of the land be yearly
divided amongst the Fellows and Scholars of the foundation
equally, without respect to degree or seniority; and when
the aforesaid rents shall arise to five hundred or one thousand
pounds more, then 1 will that that also be laid out for land
by the President and Seniors, and the rents thereof divided
amongst the Fellows and Scholars as aforesaid. And in
like manner I will that every five hundred or one thousand
pounds, as it rises, be so disposed of from time to time ; and
the yearly rent so divided for ever. Always provided that all
necessary repairs of the buildings aforesaid (which I hope
will be little for these many years), be paid from time to
time out of the rents of the said Chambers, before either
land be bought, or division made to the Fellows.
8. And whereas there is a door now out of the new quad
rangle into the grove eastward, as there was at first out of
the old, I desire it may be decreed that that door be opened
and shut at hours with the gate towards the street, and the
key carried with the rest and delivered to the President, as
the founder hath expressed for other keys in the Statute De
Portis, &c.q
9. Lastly. I wish that such orders as shall be decreed by you,
the President and Seniors, or major part of you, and after
wards confirmed by your Visitor, concerning my buildings,
and the better promoting of these my intentions, may
i [Statutes, cap. 49.]
02
196 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. be fairly written out of the original decree into your Statute
Book, and decreed to be yearly read at such times as are
appointed by your founder for the reading of your local
Statutes. Partly because decrees so confirmed have like
force with the statute itself, and partly to the end it may
be generally known to the Fellows successively to what use
I have desired my buildings may be assigned, that they may
be more careful in their several places to keep this decree
from violation.
These are all the particulars that I have thought upon
concerning my building and use of it, and the good that
may thence redound to you and your successors ; and as I
wish, so I hope you will be careful to yield to my desires
herein, being so little for my own, and so much for your
good. And I heartily pray you the decree may be made
full and binding, and with all the convenient speed that may
be, for I long to be freed from this care. And if it please
you to do me the favour, I should be very glad to see a
copy of the decree before it be made binding and under
seal. So God's blessing be upon you and the College, to
which I heartily recommend both myself and you, and rest
Your very loving Friend,
W. CANT.r
Lambeth, Octob. 16, 1635.
r [The following paper, containing Garden that was Harbert's joins,
the rough draft of Laud's plan for his " To give the President a lower and an
buildings at St. John's, is preserved upper chamber joining to his lodging,
in the State Paper Office. in lieu of part of his Garden taken
away.
" Aug 15 1630 " At the East End a Bave window, as
S John's Coll. Chap. Oxon. the Library End hath and a Baye
window at the side, like the Library
" Sett the East window farther out. against it, but no such window to the
"Set forward again the partition North,
within. " The building shall bear breadth
"Move the Founder's bones to be and height with the rooms in the
under the Altar. President's lodging.
" Round seats on the sides. " Beside the two Chambers allowed
" Mend the Glass of the East to the President there will be three
window. below and three above. The three
" A range of building opposite to upper with their cocklofts, three
the Library. senior Fellows may have single. The
" A higher wall to join them at the three lower shall be at the President's
East End, and to the Coll. close again. disposing, provided that no chamber
" To make up the cloister where the in the old Quadrangle have more than
LETTERS. 197
A. D. 1635,
LETTER CCXCII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I AM most thankful for your short letter ; and, indeed,
if another long one had come upon me so soon after the
other, and in Term too, I had been utterly oppressed ; and
yet I doubt all these thanks will scarce keep me from another
long one when you come to answer my last.
Mr. Raylton hath showed me the two Duplicates, as you**,
appointed him; and I see you write differently to those men.
Truly, my Lord (for, as your ghostly father, I shall speak
freely to you, and look for a filial obedience), I am sorry for
the observation you make.
And, before this time, you have read, I presume, that
Sec. Windebank and
which I writ concerning 15, 29, 12, 18, 17, 115, 23, 84,
Lord Cottington. Laud
110. But that was only something which 102 (who, you
know, is pettish enough) complained of to me. But that
Sec. Windebank
115, 25, 16, or any the like, should pass all the irregular
things, as it is strange to me, so I am extreme sorry for it,
and you may easily guess why. the Lord Deputy
Your Lordship writes further that you hear 130 is much
two in them, and that in each of them " It must be a flying stare to Sir
one study be pulled down. W. Paddyes lodgings.
" Consideration how the President " The Chaplain's Chambers must be
shall be fitted for the little yard he left behind the building, or down,"
hath and the pump in it. And his &c.
kitchen. This paper is endorsed, "Mye inten-
" If Exeter Coll. can part with the tions for Charitye soe soone as God
house toward S. Giles. shall make me able," and contains
" A cloister upon pillars under the likewise a scheme for an hospital at
dead-wall. Eeading, which will be printed below.
" The Battlementing of that build- There are also in the State Paper
ing and the Library. Office many receipts for money trans-
" The door from the Quad, into mitted by Laud to St. John's, for car-
another must not be in the corner. rying on the building.]
198 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. troubled at this, though she knows not how to help it; and
truly no more do I. But you would have a word of advice
Laud
from 102, if I could procure it. Truly, my Lord, I think
I could procure it, but the old fool is grown so waspish,
that I have no mind to ask him. Yet I'll tell you a pretty
tale.
Within this month there came to me, at several times,
Laud,
three men, and told me what passed between them and 102.
Windebank
One asked him in plain terms in my hearing whether 7, 115,
Lord Cottington.
and 12 had not left him, and followed 15, 19, 28, 83, 110.
The other told hirn that he had been asked by many what
the unkindnes
,85, 15, 54, 63, 57, 48, 64, 35, 63, 44, 71 was between him
Sec. Windebank. Sec. Windebank
and 26, 115. The third brake with all the whole 115, and
asked them s how such a thing could be.
They8 denied it utterly that there was any such thing.
and Lord Cottington
Only they confessed that 29, 27, 84, 15, 110 were so service-
the King
able for 200, 21, 2000, and 100, that they could not but apply
themselves that way. Else they did far more esteem 19,
Laud.
28, 26, 83, especially 102. I did observe as much as I
could how the old man carried himself, and truly I was
much mistaken, or he was inwardly much troubled, but
resolved to bear it. Now whether it be fit for men to ask
advice from him in this case, judge you; but my own advice
I'll give you, such as it is.
If you find it so as you write (for I yet hope 'tis not so
bad), you must fairly put off, and do the best you can to
decline all irregularities that may prejudice the King's
service.
I am most confident your Lordship will do for the Lord
Primate and the other Bishops all that shall be just and fit.
So I leave them to you.
• ['Them/ and 'they,' of course, refer to the number '115,' and mean
Windebank.]
LETTERS. 199
I have spoken with his Majesty about that great gift* to A.D. 1635.
the Earl of Nithsdale out of the subsidy, contrary to his
resolution sent you by me more than once. And I have
pressed hard that this may be the last, and ventured (though
without your commission) to show the King what reasons
you give for it, and what need there is of a close hand.
And it seems the Earl hath followed the business close,
that he hath gotten this great advantage to himself; but the
King hath promised again that he will not any more weaken
those subsidies.
I have likewise moved his Majesty for the new Bishop of
Kildareu, that he may hold his Archdeaconry in commendam;
and his letter will come to you presently for that purpose.
But I would not move for him till I received an advertisement
in William Raylton's letter that your Lordship approved it,
considering the poverty of that bishopric. But now I pray
remember that the King will stay his hand, and not think it
fit that either Deanery or Archdeaconry should be held in
commendam.
For the truth is, it makes laymen think those dignities are
of little use when they may be so held and executed by
another.
I have likewise acquainted his Majesty with the list which
you sent me of the benefices swallowed by 29, 13, 12, 17, and
the E. of Cork
132, and that there were many more behind, which you made
no doubt to recover if he would give you encouragement.
And his Majesty bids you be confident he will.
William Eaylton gave me notice of three men come out of
the county of Galway, to offer themselves to composition in a
way that should be as honourable and as profitable for his
Majesty, as that which was tendered by you at your presence
there for the Plantation.
I put his Majesty in mind hereupon of that which you had
written concerning a great man, that no offered composition
or service of his should now be taken to the prejudice of
yourself or your service. And I hope that which I so said
will stick with the King if they go on with their petition.
* [It amounted to £10,000. Went- forde Letters, vol. i. p. 492).]
worth remonstrated with the King on " [Robert Ussher.]
the largeness of the grant (see Straf-
200 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. And now, my Lord, that you may have a reason given you
why this letter was begun in my own hand, and ended by my
servant's — the truth is, I have caught a sore cold, and am
not able to hang down my head to write.
But I hope in God the worst of it is past, if the agony of it
do not make me feverish. And remember my counsel in time,
that you forbear your sitting up at night, which certainly hath
done you much harm. I will ask no fee for this counsel, but
remain
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth House, Octr. 21st, 1635.
Rec. Nov. 27, by Wickers.
LETTER CCXCIII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE now received another letter from you, and
seen the Duplicate concerning the three Agents for Galway.
Sec. Coke
I have consulted with 200 and 114, that your despatch to
Secretary Coke may be read to the King and the Committee
with as much speed as may be. And, for my part, you will
read before what I did for prevention.
the Earl Marshal Lord Cottington
I confess I find 17, 23, 107, 29, and 110 very sure friends
to the Lord you mention v ; yet in this I hope they will not
dare to oppose his Majesty's honour and profit, being so much
Sec. Windebank
concerned in it. Yet I shall observe how far 12, 18, 115 join
in these businesses. I will not conceal it from you. And for
their daubing up the business, it shall not be if I can hinder
it ; and more you cannot have of me.
Your despatch was read to the King and the Committee on
v [This is probably Lord Clanrickarde.J
LETTERS. 1201
Sunday last. And I think Secretary Coke will give you an A.D. 1635.
accompt which will content you.
While I was within with the King, William Raylton sent
me word that a new servant was come over with a new suit
the E. of Cork
about 132 and 15. I made little account of it, because I had
from his Majesty such an absolute answer so lately, which I
had also sent to you by my last.
Yet, remembering the turns of a Court, when the Committee
was risen, I made bold to ask the King, who presently told
me that, at the instance of the Lords Chamberlain arid
Salisbury, he had caused Mr. Secretary Windebank to write
to you about it. But he added, that he had not varied
much from that which he had formerly commanded me to
write j only to preserve him from shame in a Court of
Record if he would submit, and pay, and give the Church
and others their due. He wished me also to call to Mr.
Secretary to see the letters. I did so, and saw the copy, but
the letters were gone. Thus much I thought fit to write,
because you expressed you would rely on me in this particular.
And I verily think Mr. Secretary hath no part in this but his
obedience.
This day I have lost a young strong man of my Chamber,
and shall have a mighty miss of him. He was with me at
Hampton Court but the Monday before w.
This summer hath carried away many lusty young men.
And truly, my Lord, I begin to think I shall hardly live to
see the end of this year. I have so many occasions of grief
to see things so much out of the way, and see no help to
utter anything, and take ease by vent ; since I see 29, 200,
Sec. Windebank a 1 e a g u e
115, 17, 20 grown into such 40, 59, 44, 42, 38, 54, 43, 19,
w i th Lord Cottington
75, 46, 90, 110, 24, 27, 3. But God's will be done, to which
I submit myself.
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
October 26th, 1635.
Rec. Nov. 27. By Wickers.
w [This was William Fennel), touching manner by Laud in his Diary
whose death is noticed in a most at this date.]
202 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635.
LETTER CCXCIV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
Sal. in Christ o.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE lately received letters from Mr. Griffith, being in
those parts, in which he doth acknowledge, with a great deal
of thankfulness, the exceeding favour he hath found at your
Lordship's hands for my sake.
There remaineth now but his despatch, which I shall
humbly pray your Lordship to hasten with all convenient
speed, and the rather, because he must follow a business of
mine in Lancashire, which very nearly concerns my See, and
is likely to stand still till his return.
So, not doubting of your nobleness herein, I forbear to
trouble you any further at this time, but rest
Your Honour's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Novr. 3rd, 1635.
1 beseech your Lordship to give your brother, Sir George,
and Sir George Radclifle, many thanks in my name for their
kindness to Mr. Griffith, which I must acknowledge to be for
my sake.
LETTER CCXCV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
WITH your good leave I will begin at the end of your
letters. They are indeed extreme long, but the length I
could bear with (being all material), but so much in cipher
LETTERS. 203
I am not able to hold out with, being necessary to be deci- A.D. 1635.
phered by myself, no other being trusted, and considering
my years and employment. Therefore, I do earnestly beg of
you less cipher if you will any way enable me to return.
Business always lying in a narrower room than discourse.
Nor will I acknowledge the end of your letters, that you
are ashamed of the length of them ; for I remember your
last threatened me that if I were not thankful for that short
letter, your next should be long enough. You have made it
good, but you are unjust therewhile, for I was very thankful
to you for that brevity, and yet you have punished me with
length. So I see (in things of this nature) thankful and
unthankful is all one with you.
And shall I think you are ashamed of that which you do
purposely ? But you say, you could not help this length —
your meaning is, because you set out all the inconveniences
the E. of Cork over
if 132, 29, and 17 come 50, 54, 43, 69, 23, 4; yea, but
you might have been short enough for all this if it had not
been your resolution to vex me.
For considering how, and how often those things have
been debated in letters between us, there is nothing new, but
every circumstance of inconvenience or mischief, call it what
you will, was fully apprehended by me before I read that
discourse.
My Lord, I did not stay for the reading of your letters to
me, but so soon as I had the King's in answer of those you
sent to him, I presently despatched them, and another short
one of my own to you. I pray God both of them may give
you content, for I have done what I am able, and cannot but
be sorry that there is not a more constant balance of affairs.
Having done with the end of your letter, now T go back to
the beginning, and so forward. And, first, I pray God an
open body may keep you in health long. I am not consi
derable, and you will see why and how in the course of this
letter. you
I am sorry 130 and 28 are so hard of belief; for your
Laud Lord Cottington
friend 102 is as confident of the metempsychosis of 110 into
the Treasurership
105 as ever I saw her of anything in my life. And you say
204 LETTEKS.
A. D. 1635. the Lord Deputy Laud
that 130 agrees with 102 in all premises, and yet dissents in
the conclusion. That melancholy wench must be taught to
mend her logic.
For Sir Ar. Ingram, you have satisfied me ; yet I see him
Lord Cottington.
daily with 19, 23, 300, 110, 84. These are so honest as that
I presume Sir Ar., though noble in himself, cannot but learn
much of these.
Your resolution is very good concerning the transportation
of wools by the way of Scotland. And I shall steer by it if
it come in discourse again. But 'tis now asleep, and upon so
soft a wool bed, 'tis like to rest long. If it awaken, there
will be the need of the virtues you mention, fortitude and
patience. So will there in other things besides, which have
no wool to rest on.
For Dr. Atherton, you do nobly, not to put him to resign
his English benefice till he be possessed of them in Ireland.
But whenever he resign, the benefice cannot be at my dis
posing, the patron having already given an advowson of it to
a man whom I desire not to hurt. Therefore I pray, let
there be no stay in regard of him. And the treaty certainly
was disjunctive — marriage or money x. But I confess the
Dr. hath no great reason to acknowledge it to you : neither
is it much material whether the treaty was at his last being
in England or before, if at all it were.
I received a letter from Dr. Tilson at his being in Lan
cashire last summer. But it came not to my hands till he
was gone back. Therein he promises to send me the resig
nation of Rochdale before Christmas, which I assure myself
he will perform.
I am very glad you think of getting abroad in the fresh
air, and shall be more, if it do you as much good for your
health as I wish it may. And if health were a partridge, it
would retrieve it. For my part, I thank you for taking me
so far into consideration. But be the receipt never so bitter,
you must hear truth. Indeed, my Lord, the first week of my
return at Michaelmas from Croydon to Lambeth, myself and
three of my men fell into a great cold. I was soon well, but
* [See above, p. 173.]
LETTERS. 205
the strongest (and he was a lusty man indeed) died within A. D. 1635,
a week, arid a great miss I have of him y.
That brunt being gone over, I had a sore fit of the wind?
which held me a whole week, and though I made shift to do
business, yet it much infirmed me. What will follow next
the P u b 1
I know not, nor need you despair of 85, 18, 65, 53, 30, 59,
i c k Lord Cottington
46, 33, 58, 17, 29. For 15, 110, 16, 12, 4 will take care of
the Treasurership.
that when they come to 105. Nor must you be frightened
when I send you word of those things which I apprehend in
and of myself, for then you will shut up my mouth altogether,
and make me bright in that which will do me no good.2
the s o p e
The plain truth is— the carriage of 85, 71, 49, 66, 43, 26,
busynes e
5, 31, 52, 72, 80, 63, 44, 72, 45, in that way, with so much,
Lord Cottington and
I cannot tell what to call it, of 29, 110, 83, so much of
Windebank
27, 19, 115, and to see it take for all this with 15, 12, 10,
the King
300, 100, hath done me no good, and discovered that to me
which I would have been content not to have known.
S. E. W.
For 71, 69, 75 a, I know Issachar's blessing may fall upon
him, and not make him weary if he be joined with so many
Lord Cottington.
as 300 or 110. For the burden, heavy I confess in itself,
will be light enough divided among so many. But wot you
what ? On Friday, November 20th, my Lord Keeper was
ill, and came not to the Star Chamber ; at dinner (few of the
Lord Cottington a he
great lords being there) 20, 15, 110, began 41, 7 56, 44,
a 1 t h to Lord Coventry.
40, 60, 73, 55, 16, 74, 49, 104. I hope you cannot have
such news every day. The best is (but what is truth I know
Lord Cottington Lord Coventry
not) 17 and 110 give out that 18, 19, and 104 seeks them
and their friendship. And quite contrary 'tis said, 19 and
Lord Coventry Lord Cottington
104 seek 200, 17, and 110 extremely.
y [See above, p. 201.] it stands thus in MS.]
z [This seems unintelligible; but a [Sir Richard Wynne.]
206 LETTERS.
Sec. Windebank
A. D. 1635. Can you tell me now, 13 and 115 having slunk aside,
Laud
what will become of 1, 2, 3, and all their fellows to 102 ?
Left alone certainly.
The new soapers mainly do fall from their contract for
security ; so that now nothing is or can be more to do, but
the Lord Treasurer p a s s a 1 1
to have 105 such a one as may 65, 40, 72, 71, 42, 59, 60,
19, 27, 41, 32, 33, 15, 49, 54, 63, 74, 72, all as they 6?6, 60,
ease
43, 42, 72, 43. And there is all that I can yet say to it.
If I did in my last make a right judgment of 25, 29, 30,
the Earl Marshal
83, 107, it was well I should be able to do so, of so many
Laud
at once. Nor do I think 102 and his friends (if he have
any) need much fear the hurt that can that way be done
the King
with 15, 200, 100, 28. My meaning was, that ends might
join persons at any time.
I now, lest I forget it, will digress here, and tell you such
news as is here and certain.
3 houses About a fortnight since the plague was suspected in
'Q ' Greenwich ; now out of doubt it is there b.
About November 13th, the Earl of St. Alban's died. On
Friday, November the 20th, the Lord Savage died0. He
was not long sick, for the Wednesday se'nnight before, he
was at the Star Chamber, when he heard Sir James Bagg
censured in the cause of Sir Anthony Pell d. But the cause
went hard, for the court was divided into 9 and 9. And then
the Lord Keeper's vote carried it, being for the King. On
Saturday, being 21st November, the Palsgrave long expected
came to Whitehall e. He is a proper gentleman. It would
pity any man to consider his fortune.
On Sunday, November 15th, we had the greatest tide that
b [Laud, in his Diary, speaks of its director in other men's estates.'
having broken out under date No- (Strafforde Letters, vol. i. p. 489.)]
vember 21.] d [See vol. vi. p. 29.]
c [Sir Thomas Savage had been e [Laud, in his Diary, mentions his
created Lord Savage, Nov. 6, 1626. arrival on that day. Under date of Nov.
He married Elizabeth, daughter of 30, he enters : ' Charles, Prince Elector
Thomas Lord Darcy, afterwards Earl Palatine, was with me at Lambeth, and
Rivers. An account of his death is at solemn evening prayers.' Garrard
given by Garrard, who terms him states that he was taken over to Lam-
' the great commissioner, the great both by Sir Thomas Roe, ' to visit my
LETTERS. 207
ever was seen in the memory of man, and much hurt it hath A. D. 1635.
done on Essex side. At Lambeth it welled up in my cloisters
between the bricks as a spring boils f. Our shipping business
goes on reasonably well, yet there is much malignity and
some libels.
My digression is ended. I return to your letter, and like
extreme well the way into which you have put the impropri-
ations. I am now full of hope to have it done. I do not
the King
purpose to speak any more to 17, 29, 300, or 100 about 13
Lord Cottington the Lord Treasurer.
or 19 or 110, her being 200 or but 105. I have done my
duty, and the rest I shall leave to God, and will not give
the King
100, or but 20, cause to think my spleen is fuller than my
judgment.
Well, I see your charity knows not yet how to make of
Windebank
115 such interpretations as I have done of the Duplicates.
And I confess I have been extremely troubled both to take
off myself, and in what manner to do it, if it must be done.
And I was sooner resolved of the manner than of the thing.
And first, I thought of Tully's dissuere ° ; and yet there I
found it very painful to break the stitches. And certainly
if indignation at some passages had not strengthened me,
I could have made no resolution. But from the very first
discovery in the very secret of my own thoughts, I was upon
this as my safest and wisest way, to take no notice of any
thing (a very hard task, I confess, to my disposition), and
the
that upon the same ground which you now propose 85, 14,
re turn the r e p o
69, 43, 73, 52, 70, 63, at least, if not 86, 15, 70, 44, 65, 50,
r t Windebank
69, 74 of it. Nor can I have any confidence of 23 or 115
Lord Cottington.
not telling it to 12 or 200 or 110. And 'tis most certain that
Lord of Canterbury, who received him chapel at Lambeth on Christmas-day,
with much courtesy. He saw his house, See Laud's entry in Diary at that
went into his library, and lastly [he] date.]
invited him into his chapel, where, it f [See Laud's Diary at that date.]
being an holiday, he heard solemn « [Cicero's words are, 'Amicitiam
service. Then his Grace waited on magis decet sensim dissuere, quam
him over to his lodgings, and there repente pnecidere.' (De Off. lib. i.
left him.' (Strafforde Letters, vol. i. sect. 120.)]
p. 490.) The Prince was again in the
208 LETTERS.
A.D. 1G35. errors in judgment, and transgressions by design of the will,
cannot be cured the same way. This was my first resolution,
and I have held it. But 'tis great contentment to me to find
you myself,
that my judgment herein is approved both by 130 and 102.
And let me tell you one thing more. One of the first friends
that bid me look to myself told, as your Lordship now doth,
that moneys weigh heavy in the scale you mention.
Upon the whole matter, I must ingeniously confess 46,
40, 61, 17, 28, 43, 3*8, 69, 44, 39, 47, 50, 52, 7*1, 59, 79, 29,
deceavedin mytr
34, 45, 32, 44, 40, 54, 43, 33, 48, 64, 17, 10, 61, 80, 73, 69,
u st
53, 92. And by God's grace I shall not easily be so again.
So if they be such a couple of beagles as you say you find
them in the field, let them hunt together.
the Lord Deputy
But whereas by the way you ask the question, what 130
t
should do, if he were left single to them, not having the 73,
went ythpa rt the root
75, 45, 63, 74, 79, 89, 66, 41, 69, 73, 17, of 85, 70, 49, 51, 74,
Laud w i th the King
which 102 hath 76, 46, 90, 100 ? Do not deceive yourself.
Laud root
For 102 tells me he hath no such 70, 51, 50, 73. But he
the Lord Deputy
conceives 130 safe enough ; for being a shrewd wench (as
you confess she is), she hath the waiting woman so at her
command that she may do what she will with herself, and
her duplicates. Little do you think what patience I am put
to therewhile. Yet 1 hope it will do me good; if it do not
teach me too much Courtship.
Well ! God turn all to the best.
My trouble now is not 55, 50, 75, 44, 17, 73, 49, 74, 69,
54, 91, 36, 40, 70, 69, but how 73, 51, 29, 15, 33, 41, 69, 80,
45, 37, 42, 46, 70, 43, 22.
b o th of the m
And a pretty thing it is 30, 50, 90, 18, 51, 36, 86, 62,
caryeit towardsm
32, 40, 70, 79, 44, 46, 73, 19, 74, 49, 76, 41, 69, 35, 72, 62,
LETTERS. 209
e a s i f of the m h ad d icoe
43, U, 42, 71 h, 48, 37, neither 51, 36, 85, 62, 56, 40, 34, 35, A-D- 1(
onemewr o n g
50, 63, 45, 61, 44, 75, 69, 51, 64, 39.
In the next place, I thank you for your two most excellent
h e to 1 d W. K a
tales. And whatsoever 56, 44, 74, 50, 59, 35 \ 75 : 70, 40,
i 1 t o n Cottingtou did
47, 60, 73, 51, 63, 'tis most true that 19, 24, 110, 34, 46, 35,
neve rs pea ktothe King that
17, 64, 45, 53, 43, 69, 71, 65, 43, 41, 57, 74, 50, 100, 87,
your Lordship b e Treasurer.
130, might 30, 45, 105, 27. And for the other, it is very
memorable that a man should say, he would sooner go to
Lord Treasurer which he
his grave than be that 105, 76, 55, 47, 32, 56, 18, 55, 45,
laboursmostt oget t
59, 41, 30, 50, 52, 69, 71, 61, 51, 92, 74, 49, 38, 43, 74, 73.
As for his story of a friendship to be made, and a secret to
Laud
be in it ; and that the secret to be that 19 and 102 desired
your Lordship fromb eing Treasurer
to keep 130, 29, 36, 69, 50, 61, 30, 17, 43, 48, 64, 39, 105 ;
and that so soon as ever that friendship was made he would
and the King t o m a k
do all he could with* 27, 83, 100, 15, 73, 51, 62, 40, 58,
e him Laud
43, 95 ; Good God, what a fiction is here ! 19 and 102 assure
me there is not one word of truth in all this ; and further —
the Treasurer and Lord Deputy
that he desires nothing more than to see 105, 84, 130,
17, 26, and the rest met together, but hath no hope at all
ever to be so happy. And I, for my part, am confident you
cannot believe this story. And he to whom it was told is too
honest to coin it. It comes certainly from another mint. I
dare lay 110 to 1 of it k.
But for the main, it seems you are of the same opinion
me that you b e Treasurer
with 12, 19, 84, 102, 87, 130 cannot 30, 43, 18, 27, 105,
for so you write expressly. This awakens my memory to tell
you a tale or two, and they are true upon my credit. No
hearsays, but told to myself. A gentleman of the Queen's
side falling in talk with me about other things, at last fell
h [In MS. ' 74,' an evident mistake.] k [Meaning that it was fabricated by
1 [This is ' 30' in MS., an evident Cottington.]
error.]
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP. p
210 LETTERS.
you
A.D. 1G35. upon this, that 27, 300, 130 were very obnoxious, and that
Laud
there was much wonder in Court why 19 and 102 should be
t o m a k e you Treasurer
so earnest 73, 50, 61, 42, 57, 43, 16, 130, 105 or 300.
Laud re pi y e d that h e m e d
102, 69, 44, 65, 59, 79, 45, 34, 87, 15, 55, 43, 62, 44, 35,
led notwithmakin
60, 45, 34, 5, 13, 64, 50, 74, 75, 46, 89, 61, 40, 58, 47, 64,
g Treasurers you
38, 105, 72. But he knew both 300 and 130 to be very
se rvant sof the King
great 72, 43, 70, 54, 41, 63, 73, 71, 50, 37, 100, 17, 29,
arid no way obnoxious.
The other story is as good. A knight came to me, of
the King's side, and in great seriousness told me that 19
Laud
and 102, both friends of mine, took the ready way to
m a k e L. Cottington Treasurer
61, 40, 57, 43, 18, 110, 105, 20. I wondered at it, knowing
their minds as I think. And asked why ? and how ? He
Laud
replied, it was because 19 and 102 was so earnest for 28 or
your Lordship. the lords d
130. And added, that none of 85, 60,151, 69, 34, 72, 10, 35,
i d 1 ike that the Lord Deputy b e
46, 34, 59, 47, 58, 45, 88, 3, 7, 300, 130 should 30, 44, and
all for Cottington i n
that they were 40, 59, 60, 36, 51, 69, 110, 17, 20, 46, 63,
49, 66, 65, 50, 72, 47, 73, 48, 51, 64 to him. And that he
Lord Pembroke Lord Holland fro
was sure 108, 16, 23, 112, &c. would all fall off 36, 69, 50,
m Cottington i f Laud for
61, 28, 110, 47, 37, 19, 102 would desist 36, 51, 70, 22,
your Lordship. Laud
130. 102 answered that he might soon desist, for he
meddled not in those matters, only he prayed God send
the King agoodone
86, 14, 100, 40, 38, 49, 51, 34, 49, 63, 43. What arts these
are I know not.
I return again to your letter. And certainly 12 and
Sec. Windebank
115 are not turned Rom. Catholics, yet they have taken
those beads into nearness. And yet I should be sorry any
curse should fall upon them. As for your duplicates, I
LETTERS. 211
confess I am convinced, for I see the very words repeated, A.D. 1635.
though not together.
And if this be the third time you have been so served by
this waiting woman, none is to be blamed but yourself, that
would so often trust her. Indeed I confess your observation
is true, for in my little acquaintance there, I hear both 27,
and Lord Cottington d r o 1 e r
84, 15, 23, 110, let fall that in 34, 69, 50, 59, 45, 70,
ye wisemen
80, 45, which 76, 46, 71, 44, 61, 45, 63 should secrete. But
the denying of it after is a special gift.
God speed you in the business of the fees. I shall, as
occasion serves, remember the little value of the Chancellor's
place, and do him for your sake the best offices I can. And
I would you had Dr. Bruce again on that side. As for
Croxton, I shall take no further care of him than that he
may live.
The more I think of the business of our letters, the more
I am still convinced in my own way of burning them so soon
as their business is answered and ended; for though all
public business be fair and most able to endure any light,
yet some private drolleries, and some complaints about false
hood in friendship which perhaps both of us have had too
much cause to make, would be kept more private. And I
am most confident if either of us fail, our letters will be
fingered. And I would not have any sport made either with
myself or my friends after my death.
As for the instance you gave me of a necessity of keeping
them, by your looking back upon all that either of us had
the E. of Cork
written about 15, 20 and 132, you took a world of pains
to no purpose, for it was all true I sent you from time to
and the King
time. This truth, if acknowledged by 29, 84, 100 (as it
was), then 'tis apparent that all the pains is vain.
But if it should be disavowed, I know no use of our letters
at all ; for shall we contest with the King what message he
sent by one or to the other ? Therefore for my part, I will be
at no more tedious pains to take copies of these or other
my letters to you. And spare so intolerable drudgery to
your people as the writing of so many duplicates of my
letters would force them to. But I am confident now, the
P 2
212 LETTERS.
A. D 1635. best way is to burn. And I humbly thank you for the great
assurance you give me not to falsify my confidence, for I
assure you I can now scarce tell whom to trust.
I am glad you had so fair direction from his Majesty in
the Lord Kirkcudbright's business. And I shall ever endea
vour that Ireland may first be served with her own. Another
Scottish lord came lately to me, recommended out of Scotland
by some bishops for the like both suit and offer. I gave the
same answer, and refused to meddle. And now let me tell
you a little news, but it must be sub sigillo. What say you
and the King w o u 1 d
to a suit that 19, 300, 83, 100, 75, 50, 54, 59, 35, 17, 5,
give the pi an ta tio no
38, 46, 52, 43, 85, 65, 60, 40, 63, 73, 41, 74, 48, 51, 64, 49,
37, 23, 50, 69, 61, 51, 63, 34, 73, 51 one man? I know this
is in thought if not in proposal, but I must not hear of it
again. And you may swear I'll do my best to hinder it.
I thank you for my Lord Archbishop of Dublin. But I
cannot make his title better than it is.
I will expect what may be said to the Statutes which I have
sent for the College in Dublin, and easily submit to any
better judgment. And if a new set of Fellows must be had
from hence, the way would next be thought on, how it may
be done without too much discontent to the nation.
the Primate
Hard it will be, I conceive, because 29, 17, 133 will not
give much countenance to it. My poor opinion is, it must
be slid in upon them by little and little, if any good is to be
done.
Upon receipt of your letters that the Archbishop of Tuam's
petition 1 came with your approbation and direction, I have
read it over to the King, who gave me a very gracious answer.
I here send you the petition itself back again, with his
Majesty's answer in the margin of it. And I make no doubt
but you will pursue it effectually.
I have likewise acquainted his Majesty with the Primate's
retiring to Drogheda. He likes it not. I have since spoken
with his agent here, and do not find that it is with any
resolution to come no more at Dublin.
1 [See above, pp. 110, 118.]
LETTERS. 213
And God forbid it should; for you want not friends that A. D. 1635.
would say you had driven him away from the King's service.
"Tis strange of late with what liberty some speak. But for
the thing itself, the King hath commanded me to write unto
i f the a r
him, which I have now done. And 46, 36, 85, 17, 40, 69,
ticl esof England
73, 47, 33, 59, 45, 75, 51, 37, 23, 127 be the cause of it,
I had r a the r 1 o o s e him
102, 55, 41, 34, 70, 42, 86, 69, 60, 49, 51, 72, 44, 96
the in friars
than 86, 62. But if the 37, 70, 47, 41, 69, 71 report,
I must sound the bottom of it, if I can, and so must you.
And I think it is easily done ; for sure 'tis mere malice
without any ground.
yourself and the E. of Cork
To your large discourse about 130, 19, 84, 132 I have
given you all the answer I can in my former letters, when
I sent his Majesty's to you, and in the beginning of these.
I would some things were otherwise here than they are, but
I can do no more than I can do. And it is my peace within
myself that I am not, or have not been wanting in those
things which concern the honour, safety, and greatness of
my master. But this rule I take- it hath no exception : no
man can serve a King further than he will be served.
For the Earl of Antrim's business about a pardon for
alienations m, I must stay, and so must they whom it con
cerns here, till you have spoken with all persons fitting, and
informed yourself to be able to give a full answer to the
King.
But I have another business to that Earl. I doubt, now
my Lady Duchess is married to his son, he proves not over
kind, or over full of performance. You know my relations to
that lady, and I heartily pray you to honour me so much, as
to let this letter be sent to the Earl of Antrim, so as that he
may know it came by your hands. And when you see the
Earl next, I desire you, in general only, to put him in mind
how honourable it will be for him really and fully to perform
with her Grace whatever he hath promised. And if this
general awaken him not, then I shall desire further as I
m [See Wentworth's Letter to Laud, March 9, 1635. (Strafforde Letters,
vol. i. p. 517.)]
214 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. see cause. But, good my Lord, make not this backward
ness of the Earl known, lest it do hurt instead of the good
desired.
Another suit I am to make unto you at the request of
Mr. Harbcrt, my counsel at lawn. And your Lordship I
know will grant it me. Richard Harbert, eldest son of the
Lord Cherbery °, is heir by his mother p to certain lands in
Ireland, formerly the possessions of the Earl of Desmond.
My suit is, that if the young gentleman come over to you
at spring, you will take notice of him, and let him know
I have desired so much. And if any agent of his come in
the mean time, I pray your Lordship to give all such fair
passage to his business as yourself shall find agreeable to
honour and justice.
I have now done, and 'tis time. Yet by dwelling thus
long upon my paper, I am able to tell you some news, which
when I began my letter I knew not. 'Tis certain now
that B. ofLincoln
85, 17, 30, 50, 36, 59, 46, 63, 32, 51, 60, 64 is come
q u i t e o ff the St a r r C h
67, 52, 47, 73, 44, 51, 37, 29, 15, 86, 91, 40, 69, 70, 33, 55,
a m b e r b y Cottington
40, 61, 31, 43, 70, 31, 79, 110, 17, 20. He is suffered to
holdall hi scomm
56, 50, 59, 34, 41, 60, 59, 13, 56, 46 q, 72, 32, 49, 62, 61,
endams Westminste
43, 63, 35, 42, 61, 71 r, 4, 25, 75, 45, 92, 62, 47, 64, 91, 44,
r
69 and all. All this without me, save that 23, 29, 15, 200, 28,
the King
100 told me of it, and very fairly. Yet upon a hint given by
myself.
Two things are worse in it, if they be as they are reported.
I hope they are not.
d o n e w i
The one is, that this is not only 34, 49, 63, 43, 76, 4, 46,
n [Afterwards Sir Edward Herbert, His son Richard Herbert, here spoken
successively Solicitor and Attorney- of, was his successor in the title.]
General, and Lord Keeper. He was P [Mary, daughter of Sir William
first cousin to Lord Herbert of Cher- Herbert of St. Gillian's.]
bury.] <i [In MS. it is '64,' an evident mis-
0 [Edward Herbert, Lord Cherbury, take.]
was the author of the celebrated trca- r [In MS. it is ' 74,' clearly an
tise, « De Veritate.' He was the eldest error.]
brother of George Herbert, the poet.
LETTERS. 215
89, 49, 54, 73, 61, 45, but 17, 27, 40, 38, 42, 48, [64], 92, A.D. 1635.
m e b y Lord Cottington.
62, 44, 30, 80, 110, 300.
and Windebank
The other, that 29, 16, 84, 115 have seconded 19, 4, 10,
Lord Cottington i n th i s s
400, 110, 15, 12, 46, 64, 89, 48s, 72, 71.
m o n y e and f r
And thus much can 62, 49, 63, 79, 43, 83, 16, 37, 69
e nds again st ho nor
[43], 63, 34, 71 do 40, 38, 42, 48, 64, 92, 56, 49, 64, 51, 70
c o u r t s
in moveable 33, 50, 52, 69, 74, 71. For my part, I respect
not this, yet I see the difference that ought to be is not
s e r v i n g and d
observed between 71, 44, 70, 52, 46, 63, 38, 84, 17, 20, 34,
i s serv inge
47, 72, 71, 43, 69, 54, 48, 64, 39, 45.
When you think of this you may comfort yourself a little
and the E. of Cork,
concerning 24, 23, 14, 83, 132. God send you health, and
me too, and all else that I need (which is much), that I be
abler to your love, since I shall ever rest
Your Lordship's
assured Friend and humble Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Nov. 30th, 1635.
Recd. 28 Dec.
Brought by Mr. Harbert.
LETTER CCXCVI.
TO THE DEAN AND CHAPTER OF CANTERBURY.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christo.
AFTER my hearty commendations, &c<
His Majesty, out of his princely affection to the good
and honour of that Church, hath been graciously pleased to
take care for the removing of a great abuse caused by the
encroachment of divers buildings and other tenements upon
the church and churchyard, as you will fully see by the
* [In MS. '49,' by an evident mistake.]
216 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. enclosed, and I heartily pray you not to fail in using all
diligence to give his Majesty satisfaction according to the
tenor of the same. When you have perused these his
Majesty's letters, I am commanded to require you to see
them written into your Register-book, and to send me a
copy of them, that as occasion serves I may give his Majesty
notice of your ready obedience to his commands. Another
thing I must put you in mind of, and that is concerning the
fair which is often kept in the churchyard, and concerning
which I spake to you at your last being with me. And so
soon as I shall understand by you the particulars of this
abuse, and what you think fittest for remedying thereof,
without prejudice to your liberties, I shall be ready to give
you what help I can. In the meantime I leave you to the
grace of God, and rest
Your very loving Friend.
Lambeth, Decemb. 16, 1635.
Endorsed :
'Decemb. 17,1635.
' The copye of my Lrs to the D. and
Chapt. of Canterbury, when I sent
his Maties< concerning the Houses
in ye Churchyard, &c.'
LETTER CCXCVII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENT WORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I LATELY received a letter and with it a petition from
the Bishop of Elphin *, the kingly bishop as you called him
in your letters which you sent after you had seen what he
had done upon his poor bishopric in Connaught. I delivered
his petition to the King, who wholly refers him and his cause
to your Lordship. And I desire you to do all for him which
may fairly be done for the good of his bishopric, and without
prejudice to the Crown. This petition and this message I
4 [Edward King.]
LETTERS. 217
made bold to put into the hands of William Raylton, both A.D. IGH5.
because I had nothing else to write upon, and because I was
then laden with sudden occasions. And as in the former
petitions from all the bishops of the province, I desired the
letter which is to pass concerning them might be drawn
there by your direction, so do I heartily desire in this. And
I hope the petition is come safe to you.
William Eaylton came to me and told me that the business
of the farms were stirred again, and that the Lord Mount-
norris had a hand in it. Very desirous he was that I should
do somewhat for your service, but neither he nor I could tell
what. At last I thought upon a way to take occasion from
the former offer of the Scottishman to see how the Kin";
o
stood affected in the business, and what new offer had been
made. I found the King very reserved, yet thus much I dis
covered, that certainly the Lord Mouutnorris had made some
offer about it. And I hear from a good hand since I spake
with the King, that whereas the King hath now but £8,000
per annum, he shall then have £20,000. What truth is in
this I know not. But I am most confident, that if the King
may gain £12,000 a-year, you will be very well advised
before you will stand so much in his light, having so many
eyes upon both your actions and your ends.
I perceive by your letters, you had not when you writ
received my voluminous letters in answer to yours. To the
rest you have given me punctual answer, and I here send you
back briefly my judgment of the particulars. I discovered
Sec. Windebank
115, 29 and 14 a long time before I expressed it to you,
for I did not think it fit to speak it to any man, much
d e
less to write it, till such public notice was taken of his 34, 45,
fe ctionto Lord Cottington
37, [43], 33, 74, 47, 51, 63, 73, 50, 110, 23, 7, as that I
must needs take notice of it in some way, whether I would or
not. Now he applies himself more to me than of late. But
to tell you my thoughts — no one thing hath ever troubled me
more, and I was so riveted, as that I thought that which I
now find, impossible. And methinks yet it should not be
possible. Well, 'tis too plain, and too certain. And I must
bear it, for I do not think (as now advised) that any shoeing-
218 LETTERS.
A. D. 1G35. horn can draw me on again upon that foot, which hath trodden
me and so much awry. And I see by one of the duplicates
W. R. u Laud
which 76, 15, 70, 22 showed 102 in my presence, that money
is a great man.
and Windebank
Good Lord! I hope the suit which 200, 83, 115, make
the Earl Marshal,
is not so vast nor so unreasonable as that of 107. But be
it what it will, I see winters grow cold, and a nest well
feathered is warm. I think I were best entreat you to find
out some suit for me there, for here is no mercy had of me
in one kind or other. If you have ever a spare corner in
Conn aught, I care not if I come and turn anchorite.
I have since again moved his Majesty that none of
your subsidy moneys may be called over hither ; and this I
did because I heard lately (but I may not tell you how) that
some overture would be made to the King about it. And
upon my credit with you, I did never speak with his Majesty
more earnestly about that or anything else in my life, nor
gave stronger reasons to my own thinking for it, than now
I did. For certainly it will spoil you, and help us it cannot.
His Majesty gave me as constant an answer as could be, and
promised to keep it, and so I hope he will.
One thing there is, that I must prophesy to you, and look
not w i th
you remember it. It is, that 63, 50, 73, 15, 5, 75, 48, 89,
standing al Ithi ss
91, 42, 64, 34, 47, 63, 39, 14, 40, 60, 59, 90, 46, 72, 71
Cottington the Treasury
if 110, 26, 13 go backward into 12, 17, 105, she will obtain
that and all
her ends, 87, 84, 41, 59, 60. And I do as verily think that
will shortly be done.
I am glad Kildare is settled x, but I am more glad that
you approve the not holding of archdeaconries or deaneries
in commendam. For either I understand nothing in a
Church way, or else that suffered and continued will over
throw all.
I have done all I can that the agents for Galway may
- [W. Raylton.]
x [By the appointment of Dr. Robert Ussher to the vacant see.]
LETTERS. 219
receive no encouragement. But somewhat there is, what A.D. 1G35.
I know not, that Darcy is suffered to stay a little, pretending
(as I am told) quite besides that business, very much to
advance his Majesty's service. I confess I like not the way,
but cannot divert it, only I shall do my best to have him
sent after the other two with as much haste as may be. And I know
out of what fountain this comes, is not easy to guess. j^eir ^ ~to
No hopes of yours nor other men's need fail, though 1 19 and
. .. Windebank
were gone to-morrow. And us mere idleness to think any 115,
man can be missed. But I thank God my health is come to h^snot^
me again, and if He please may be constant. And as for that the Foun-
which was written in my own hand, 'twas all true, yet I am am'
not amazed, nor have lost my spirits, though I confess I have
little left to sustain them.
Laud
102 tells me he should be glad to see you here, but he
thinks you will not dream of coming. And I for my part am
confident if you come, your private occasions must cause it.
But all the world will think it other ways, and that being
lame youcame
59, 41, 62, 43, 19, 24, 6, 10, 80, 51, 54, 32, 40, 61, 45, 18,
tofetcha staff
7, 74, 50, 37, 44, 74, 32, 56, 42, 25, 91, 41, 37, 36 *. But
I shall say nothing till I see whether it take or not. And
however, as things stand, I verily persuade myself your
c ommi ng e
32, 49, 62, 61, 46, 63, 38, 45 can do no good, unless it be
the Lord Deputy
for the private affairs of 130, whom you have reason to
consider and take into your care.
the E. of Cork
Concerning 132, 27, and 15, I have spoken with 200,
and the King
84, 19, 100, again, and showed her the duplicate which you
the Lord Chamberlain and Lord Salisbury 2.
sent to me of 108, 83, 109. All is well, yet
you do very wisely not to adventure to sentence till you have
a more express warrant. And when all things are ready,
send me word what you would have done, and I will give you
as good account of it as I can, and certainly a true one how-
y [Meaning that he came for the * [See vol. iv. p. 442; and above,
Treasurer's staff of office.] p. 150.]
220 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. soever. Neither do I take this game for lost ; 'tis a far greater
that I fear more.
I am glad you heard from others as well as from myself
the Lord Deputy.
that many mouths are open here against 130. I told
you the true cause of it. And now it will increase upon
which isdonet o Lord Mountnorris
that 93, 47, 71, 35, 50, 63, 44, 73, 19, 51, 135, 7, 29,
which was all over the Court, before I had leisure to call for
the duplicate which concerned him a. I pray God this be
and the Lord Deputy
not interpreted as done [by] 18, 25, 84, 130 in revenge for
fa r m s
the 36, 40, 69, 61, 72. And I marvel how you pitch upon
Lord Holland
Yet since the tenderness of 112 and 28, which are much alike. But
abouiuhe8 certainly I find that the former of these is much offended
quarrel with yourself (more than your friends) for somewhat, but what
that was by . ^ . a . .
L Treasr's ^ne ^' ° I St. A 1
' iu5, 27, 1 know not, unless it be about 86, 44, 50, 37, 71, 40, 59,
7H°' 6Vo, 42, & 71.
yet for- nC And now, my Lord, being come to the end of your letters,
given. I must and do give you hearty thanks for your noble accept
ance of my freedom in my last letters. The counsel may be
weak which I gave, but certainly faithful and ex animo. And
I was never so proud as to think it was in any part to be
followed by you, where your own judgment went against it.
Yet in this, I will take a little pride to me, and be as con-
Lord Cottington
fident as you are to the contrary, that 110, 17 and 23
o f the 13. o f L.
will in time bring 51, 36, 85, 30, 50, 37, 60, though perhaps
him on to favor
they cannot bring 96, 49, 63, 74, 51, 36, 41, 54, 51, 70, yet
against that you may see what changeable silk is worn in
the B. o f L i n.
Court. At this present 86, 31, 50, 36, 59, 47, 72 is off again,
and all proceeds, but it will not be long so, if I foresee any
thing.
•[This refers to the sentence re- it appears that his conduct in this mat-
cently parsed on Lord Mountnorris ter was severely censured at the time,
in the Star Chamber at Dublin. (See as it afforded one of the grounds of
Straffurde Letters, vol. i. pp. 499, scq.) his impeachment afterwards. (See ib.
From Garrard's letter to YVcntwonh, p. 510.)]
LETTERS. 22 I
Lord Cottington Treasurer
There is but a stay made till 110 [be] 105, 27, 15, 4, A.D. 1635,
and then what not ? So wishing you all happiness and
a successful new year, I leave you to God's blessed pro
tection,
Your Lordship's loving poor Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.b
Lambeth, Jan. 2, 1635.
Recd- 4th Feb. by Tho" Forster.
I send you herewith a proposition put into my hands by
a friend of mine. He speaks plainly that it is against some
grounds of yours ; yet I thought fit to send it you. Give me
your judgment upon it for my own better information; and
then if you throw it into the fire I care not.
I have received a long rhetorical letter from the Bishop of
Waterford c. It is as full of clinches as ever it can stick.
It made the King laugh heartily when I read part of it to
him. It is just in the vein that his sermons were wont to be
when he was at Oxford. He abuses his cousin fearfully.
And because the contents of his letter do as much concern
your Lordship as myself, I here send it you. And I pray let
the Bishop know that I have written to you in his behalf
concerning Lismore. But what he desires about it you will
better understand by himself.
I pray God bless Dr. Tilsond in Ireland, and I pray thank
him, for I hear from my Lord Bishop of Chester e that he
hath sent him his resignation of Rochdale, which comes fitly
to serve some of them that expect more from me than falls
into my power to give.
This day, William Raylton came to me again and told me jan. 3rd.
he had heard the business of the farms in Ireland was so far
advanced, as that there was something put into Mr. Attorney's f
b [Wentworth's reply to this and epistle, that he might be recorded in
other letters, is dated March 9.] . the history of the Church as one of the
c [Michael Boyle. He died Decem- learned orthodox writers of his age.'
ber 27. Wentworth in his reply to The cousin whom he abused was the
this letter notices the fact, and adds, Earl of Cork.]
' Were it not that I am puzzled with d [See above, p. 204.]
taking orders for my journey, I would e [John Bridgeman.]
return your Lordship back his learned f [Sir John Banks.]
222 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. hand to draw -concerning them. Upon this, being to speak
with the King at after dinner, I took occasion to tell his
Majesty what apprehensions were abroad, what disservice
he might do himself, if he gave such way for your dishonour
without so much as hearing you ; that his farmers here got
liberally by him, and yet he refused to put them by for
greater offers. His Majesty replied, and gave me leave to
write it to you, that he knows of no such order given to Mr.
Attorney. And that I and you may secure ourselves, he will
do nothing in it, but you shall know it first, and be heard at
large. But he hopes (and so much he said plainly) that you
will be so good a servant to him as to act the business plainly
yourself, and make it your work, if upon consideration
you find that he may be a fair gainer so much a year as
pretended.
W. R.*
Since I received the King's answer, 75, 69, 25, 17, and 12,
butl hadnocom
came to me, 30, 54, 73, 46, 17, 55, 40, 34, 63, 49, 32, 50, 62,
mission tell him
61, 47, 72, 71, 48, 51, 64, to 74, 45, 60, 59, 95, 29, but to
your Lordship W. R.
130 I had. Now these men 75, 69, assured me for certain
A r n
that Mr. Attorney had some directions about it. 41, 69, 63,
0 t the seb o 1 dmen that d a
49, 73, 86, 71, 44, 31, 51, 59, 35, 61, 43, 64, 18, 88, 35, 40,
70, 45, 20,34, 4°9, 44, 90, 53, 72, 71? Whence this comes
to you I doubt you can guess without my telling. I am now
Lord Cottington b e Treasurer q u
confident 15, 25, 110 will 30, 44, 105, 19, 24 very 67, 54,
1 c k 1 y
49, 32, 58, 60 h, 80. And then there is an end of all good
hopes.
« [William Raylton.]
h [This is written '70' in original, an obvious mistake.]
LETTERS. 223
A.D. 1635.
LETTER CCXCVIII.
TO THE LOUD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE not much to write to you since my last long
despatch, yet somewhat there is. The Lord Cottington hath
been very ill, and is not yet abroad, but surely upon recovery '.
And I do verily believe that so soon as ever he comes abroad
arid is able to be in business, the King will make him Lord
Treasurer, yet I write no certainty herein more than out of
my own judgment.
And let me tell you a tale : when he was at sickest and in
some fear of miscarrying, some men did not forbear to
express greater fears of your being Treasurer if he failed, than
of his failing. So much are you beholden to them.
I have, according to your directions in your last to me,
taken no notice of your motion to come over, till I see how it
takes. And how it will take with the King, seriously I know
not. This I know, that among other men notice is taken of
it. For a lord (that I think begins to wish me well) told me
Lord Cottington and
that 29, 15, 110, 27, 83, some others, of his knowledge did
take notice of it. I know not by what means ; and that they
and their friends laboured to hinder it all they could. And
the rather because they thought they crossed me in it. And
this possibly. So you see what you gain by my service to you.
the yfeare if
But sure the secret is 86, 79, 36, 44, 40, 69, 43, 19, 46, 37,
the Lord Deputy comehe comest
130, 32, 49, 61, 45, 55, 44, 28, 33, 50, 62, 43, 71, 73,
o b e st i r r him self that
51, 24, 12, 13, 30, 43, 91, 47, 70, 69, 95, 72, 42, 59, 36, 87,
h e m a y b e Ld. Treasurer
15, 10, 56, 43, 61, 41, 80, 31, 45, 105, and therefore I
1 [See Letter from Cottington to tell you of my recovery.' Garrard gives
Wentworth, dated January 27th, in an account of his illness in his letter
which he says his health is not such, of January 8th. (Strafforde Letters,
« as with my own hand I am able to vol. i. pp. 507, 511.)]
224 LETTERS.
the Lord Deputy n o t c
A. n. 1635. prophesy to you that either 130, 22, shall 63, 50, 74, 32,
o m e Ld. Treasurership b e s e
49, 61, 45, or else that 15, 29, 105, 14 shall 31, 44, 71, 43,
tledbefore heco
73, 60, 45, 34, 30, 43, 37, 51, 69, 44, 17, 26, 56, 43, 32, 50,
m e.
62, 45.
Now, my Lord, I have a suit to you, and then I have done;
but before I make it, I must tell you two things. The one
is, that it is the last engagement unperformed on my part
that the Lord Duke left upon me, and I would be glad to
quit myself of that before I die. And the rather because
the parties for whose sake I labour it, are my friends as well
as they were his. The other is, that before I move the King
I thought fit to acquaint you with my desires, to this end,
that if you say freely to me you cannot do it for me, I may
let those thoughts die, and not move him at all. And as ever
you will do anything for me, I heartily pray you send me
word what you can or cannot do. The thing itself is but for
£2,000. 'Tis for one that hath served without any reward
above these ten years. The King hath granted me the suit
here, -but it depends upon a judgment in the Star Chamber,
which when it will be brought on by Mr. Attorney I know not.
P. at since I cannot end it while I am a Commissioner of the
Treasury, I must not hope to do it after. and windebank
I put this business into the hands of 17, 25, 84, 115, 23,
before ever I had 40, 63, 7*9, 44, 17, 48, 45, 40, 60, 50,
syeofhis joyning
72, 80, 43, 51, 37, 55, 46, 72, 28, 47, 50, 79, 64, 48, 63, 39,
w i th Cottington or hisfals n
75, 46, 90, 110, 50, 69, 24, 56, 47, 72, 36, 40, 59, 71, 63,
e s me
44, 72, to 61, 45. Sec. Windebank
So that if I be left to the goodness of 29 and 115, or
Lord Cottington
of 27 and 110, 1 am not like to speed very soon or very well.
And I must tell you, though I have had many protestations in
this business, yet I have had also new delays with every answer
Sec. Windebank
from 29, 115 and some others. Now the want of the parties
calls for more haste than I am here able to make. The close
of all is this. If you can fit me out of Ireland, I will move
LETTERS.
225
the King to remove the suit thither to you, and free myself A.D. 1035.
from being tossed here between delays. And a double great
kindness you shall do me. One, by doing the thing ; the
other, by freeing me from them whom I am not now willing
to be more beholden to than needs I must. But if you say
it cannot be done, I have done too. And howsoever shall
most faithfully endeavour to keep all your moneys on that
side, for here they will make no show in our depth, and quite
unfurnish you.
I know not how it comes to pass, but the Lord Bishop of
Lincoln's cause comes on again.
They say Sir John Mounson hath been earnest with the
King about it, upon some scandals laid upon him in the
country, and offers to make clear proof of gross subornation
of perjury against himk. But God forbid this should be
proved against any Bishop. Yet that second Bill is now in ;
but what will come of it I cannot tell. For all this, I am
persuaded he will get loose at last. I pray, my Lord, pardon
my suit, and my boldness in it. I have already expressed all
my motives to you, and so leave them to you, and you to the
grace of God, ever resting
Your Lordship's
Faithful Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Jan. 14th, 1634 l.
Received Feb. 4 by
Thos. Forster.
k [This case against the Bishop of
Lincoln terminated 'in his censure, on
July 19, 1637. The Bishop, it appears,
had assailed Sir John Mounson's cre
dit as a magistrate. Laud, in his
Speech at the Bishop's censure, con
sidered that Mounson deserved repa
ration, and fixed his damages at
1,000 marks. (See vol. vi. p. 82.)]
1 [This is the date of the letter
given in MS., but it evidently is an
error of the original transcriber. It
was written in 1635 (i. e. 1636, as we
now reckon it), as is plain from the
mention of Cottington's illness, of
Laud being still in the Commission of
the Treasury, and from Wentworth's
reply to it being dated March 9, 1635.]
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP.
226 LETTERS.
A.D. 1G35.
LETTER CCXCIX.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTII.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
Sal. in Ghristo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I AM earnestly entreated by my Lord Conway to write
to your Lordship in the behalf of Mr. Daniel ONeile m, and
to desire your Lordship's favour for him, being a man (as
I am informed) that is like to deserve well, and is not alto
gether unknown to your Lordship.
His case (I am told) is as follows : His father, Con
ONeile, was seized and possessed of great proportions of
land called the Upper Claneboys, Ardes, and Slum Neile, in
the county of Down, now worth per annum twelve thousand
pounds at least. He, with his tenants and followers, served
the late Queen Elizabeth for many years, in her wars there
in the North of Ireland, and afterwards in the latter end of
her Majesty's reign. Upon disagreement with the Lord
Chichester, then governor of those parts, he kept some cor
respondency with the rebels, which the said Lord Chichester
finding, apprehended him, and committed him prisoner to
his Majesty's castle of Carrick-Fergus, out of which he
escaped, and not being able to live in his country, he fled to
Scotland, and there met James Hamilton, now Lord Viscount
Claneboys n, and Hugh Montgomery, now Viscount of the
Ardes °, with whom he contracted to give two- thirds of his
estate to procure his pardon, which was done, and they enjoy
the lands. And afterwards the said Lord Viscount Clane-
In [It appears from a letter of Went- n [ He was originally an usher in the
worth to the Prince Elector, that he Free School at Dublin (Birch's Court
too had endeavoured to enlist Went- of Charles I. vol. ii. p. 91), was
worth's interest in behalf of a Mr. afterwards Serjeant at Law, and Privy
O'Neale, who was probably the same Councillor ; made Viscount Claneboy
person. Wentworth, in his reply to in May 4, 1622; died in 1643.]
Laud's letter, states that he has de- ° [He was the first of his family
sired Lords Montgomery and Clane- who settled in Ireland. He was created
boy to treat with O'Neile on the Viscount Montgomery of Ardes in
matter in question. (Strafforde Let- 1622.]
ters, vol. i. pp. 518, 521.)]
LETTERS. 227
boys, Lord Viscount Ardes, and Sir Moyses Hill, deceased p, A. D. 1635.
did, for very small considerations, get from his said father his
other said part, reserving only a small rent of a hundred and
threescore pounds per annum ; which is all he and his brother
have out of all those lands.
These lords, taking into consideration the young gentle
man' s small means, at his last coming out of Ireland, were
willing, and offered to give him some increase ; but so small
that all will not make a competency.
My Lord, his case standing thus, I shall desire you (if you
know no great cause of hindrance why you should not meddle
in this business) to treat with these lords, and see if in a
fair way you can help him to a subsistence.
You shall therein do a great deal of charity in restoring a
gentleman that is lost without his own fault, and bind him
thereby to be your servant for ever, as he is already.
Your Lordship's very loving Friend,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Jan. 16, 1635.
Rec. 7 Feb. by Mr. D. O'Heile.
P.S. — If these lords will do little or nothing for him, if
you can find any other way to help the poor gentleman, I see
all his friends here will thank you heartily for it.
LETTER CCC.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUII MAJESTY,
To give me leave to give you humble thanks for the
great expressions of your favour in your letters, sent me
when the Prince Elector's Highness came into England.
^ [The ancestor of the Marquis of Downshire.]
Q 2
228 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. And since those letters of your Majesty desired nothing of
me but the continuance of such services and respects as are
every way due to the Prince your sou, I thought it my best
way of answering that letter to do the thing desired, so far
as is in my power, before I professed any more in paper.
And truly, Madam, I have done my very best and in the best
way (according to my understanding) to serve his Highness,
and shall continue so to do, the young Prince very dis
creetly observing the King his uncle in allthings. Which
as it gives the King great content, so it makes me full of
hope, that it will in the end bring home safety and content
both to your Majesty and the Prince Elector. And I take
myself very much bound to his Highness that he hath been
pleased to write to your Majesty, and to express his kind
acceptance of such poor service as I have been able to
do him ; for so much I understand he hath done, by your
letters bearing date from the Hague, Januar.— .
To these second letters I shall now give your Majesty this
answer, having first humbly desired your leave that I may do
it with that freedom which I owe to truth, as well as with
that duty and respect which I owe to your Majesty.
This letter of your Majesty's is in answer of mine about
demanding Investiture. And truly, Madam, since the Prince
is willing to comply with the King (for so you write, and so
I find it) in all things that he can, I doubt not but he
can and will demand Investiture. And so much I am
assured your Majesty knows. JBut for the rest I am not
so well satisfied.
For first, for the time, though he be but now come to age, yet
he might have demanded Investiture somewhat before, which
must needs have hastened the Emperor's answer, and cut off
the delays, which (not without cause) your Majesty fears
so much. But howsoever, right glad I am that it will now be
done; for though there be time enough, yet there is but
enough ; and I did never hold it fit to put off necessaries to
the last, especially in great affairs. Some time left to spare
is of great use in all things, chiefly in such.
Secondly, whereas your Majesty is pleased to write, that
without the Investiture the right of your son, the Prince, is
just ; yet, if that be granted, all men must confess 'tis just too
LETTERS. 229
that Investiture shall be demanded, since the Constitutions of A.D. 1635.
the Empire require it. And will your Majesty look for justice
from the Emperor, and will you not see (as much as in you
lies) that justice be done to him, especially in a time when
his favour is necessary ? But God be thanked, I see you are
willing to it; and, for myself (as thus advised), I think this
must soon bring it to some issue, which I hope shall be
honourable for your son the Prince, and leave the Emperor
without all excuse in Christendom if he do not what is fit.
This I assure you, the King is upon all the ways that can
at present be well taken to hasten not only the Emperor's
answer, but the business ; and to cut off all delays which
have hitherto been shuffled into the same. The rest of your
Majesty's letter is so full of nobleness to me, that I have no
other answer to make to it, than to give you all possible
thanks, and humbly to desire that I may continue to serve
you with as much freedom of judgment as warmth of affec
tion, and as shall every way beseem him who is
Your Majesty's to be commanded,
W. C.
Lambeth, Januar. 20, 1635.
Endorsed :
' Januar. 20, 1635.
'The copye of my L". to the Queen of
Bohem. about Investiture of ye
Prince Elector.'
LETTER CCCI.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
. MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I THINK the longer my last great letter was before it
came to you, the sooner you despatched it, for methinks
your answer is come very quick upon it. And I am the
230
LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. more surprised, because at this present, as large a packet as
you sent lies by me for answer from Scotland. Thence I
have had as much trouble as from Ireland, but not near
such help as your Lordship affords me ; and without which
indeed I could have done little, if anything at all, compared
with that which you have already done ; as appears in the
note which you have sent me of the province of Ulster, and
the diocese of Cork.
It is great pity but that this improvement should be kept
somewhere, not so much for the memory of your Lordship,
whose great diligence out of zeal to God's Church effected it
(though that also), as that it may remain upon record to
assist the Church against any rapine in future times; and
If you like ergo, if you have nothing to say against it, I will not only
must "send trust & t° be recorded with you, but find a handsome way to
me another slide it into my Registry alsoq; both that the record may be
tested by the safer and more public, and also some encouragement to
hand°Wn mf successors *° *a^e some care of Ireland till all be settled
And in the there ; and what you think of this I pray fail not to give me
have for-
gotten to
name the
Rectory,
which is
improved
/noon
I blame not your excess when in your great volume you
. . J . . i „. i i
so much in cipher; such triumph was enough to have
made some men wild. But it was miserable vexation to me
that have so little time, and that work being more tedious
than unusual. You have done much better now.
The heart of a business in cipher is enough, and you may
(as you do) find veils enough to shadow the rest. And so will
I, if I can hit it.
Lord Cottington isnot yet ab
29, 110, 46, 76, 63, 50, 73, 17, 79, 44, 74 come 40, 31,
road
69, 51, 41, 35, but they will shortly.
And so soon as the King is settled again at Whitehall
after his return from Newmarket (whither he went on
Lord Cottington
Wednesday, January 20th), 27, 15, and 110 will [into
the Treasurer ship. the King :
105. Great things are promised to be done, and 100 for
Laud.
one believes it. So doth not yet 102. And certainly if
[This document is still preserved in Lambeth MSS. (See vol. vi. p. 519.)]
LETTERS. 231
that servant of yours see anything, all will go as round A. D. 1635.
thesamewaye
as a horsemill 85, 71, 42, 61, 44, 76, 41, 80, 45, 11,
28, 200.
My Lord of Chester hath received the resignation of
Rochdale. I thank you and the Dean of Christ Church r
for it.
Your Uncle BlithmanV recipe to take no thought, is a
mighty cordial. And if fools can take none I could be
content sometimes to fool it too, since I am now out of hope
ever to be, or be thought wise. And I confess freely to you
I was never so troubled with anything in my life that I
and Windebank
remember, as I have been with 29, 14, 300, 84, 115, 17.
And have had as much ado to master it. And you would
the King
not think how it affects me, that 28, 21, 4, 19, 100, 300
b y Lord Cottington a e
should be so much swayed 30, 79, 14, 19, 110, 23, 40, 72,
Ifo re s e ehewi 1 1
46, 36, 49, 69, 44, 71, 45, 43, 55, 45, 76, 48, 60, 59, 26
hisestates oe
especially knowing 56, 47, 71, 44, 91, 40, 73, 45, 71, 49, 44,
19, 65, 43, 69, 37, 44, 32, 74, 60, 80, 43 as I now do.
But that which shall be, shall be, though we be not
necessitated to that being, but freely follow our own or
other counsels.
And your Paul Harris to the reader1 hath a most unhappy
verse out of the Poet Quidu (as the boy called him).
I pray do not take too much of clean linen when you
speak of the soap. They say 'tis fouler a great deal than
Laud
the linen it washes. Sure I am 102 tells me his linen
stinks abominably. But wot you what ? The same party
the p r is
assures me there is a purpose to bring 85, 66, 69, 46, 71,
e o f it the King upon
43, 50, 37, 28, 15, 47, 73, to 100 by 40£, 53, 65, 51, 64,
atunn less the n I o
40, 74, 54, 64, 63, 21, 4, 59, 44, 72, 71, 86, 63, 48, 49,
r [Henry Tilson.] l [Has this any reference to Paul
8 [Jasper Blithman, who married Harris, mentioned vol. vi. p. 331 ?]
Margaret, sister of Sir W. Went worth, u [Probably the boy's mistake for
must be the person referred to.] ' Ovid.']
232 LETTERS.
f f e r e d
A. D. 1635. 37, 36, 45, 70, 43, 35. And you will see this prevail that
the business may settle forsooth and then you may do
what you will. I think in time it may come into Herrings
pickle. Windebank
Well, if it be Issachar's blessing that 115, 25, 19 desire,
Lord Cottington
let them have it. And if 110 ride them, be it so. But sure
that will not be, for some quarter must be kept, or none will
firm
trust. And you saw how 36, 46, 69, 61 it was between 24,
Lord Cottington Lord Treasurer Sec. Windebank
6, 8, 110, 19, 105, and then why not with 115, 7, 200,
Lord Cottington
and as many more as )ou will? and you see 18, 23, 110,
and Treasurer d e a th.
84, 105 continue kind after 34, 44, 40, 90.
But it is an excellent thing to rail at a man living, and
honour him after death. Doth any man so, that doeth either
in earnest ?
I heard of the E. of St. Albans' death ; and if I had
heard that you had killed him, I would have sent you the
one news as well as the other.
I will say no more of the Impropriations, till they be passed,
since you will have it so, marry then you must go on, and
Lord Cottington
thorow, else I shall do the best I can to be as still as 110,
and Seo. Windebank.
19, 84, 23, 115, 18, 4. But shall I not be still and wary?
Methinks I hear you say, I had need.
The rather because their link is every day stronger, and
Sec. Windebank
apparently. And yet 200, 115, 4, 10 by fits will press as
Laud
familiarly upon 22, 17, 102, 5 as can be. Out of doubt they
have been at their beads together, and if one learn of the
other, it will do well in time.
"Pis well you took those stories for alchemy; and 'tis
110 to one, if you find any better metal in that mint,
though it be still going. As for your French, I was fain to
call in help to understand it ; and you had almost posed my
secretary too.
It is no matter, yet sure had I thought I should have
traded for such stuff, and been acquainted with such finesse,
LETTERS. 233
be it where it will, I would Lave been better skilled in these A,D. 1635.
modern languages, and not suffered your Cambridgeship to
ask, " Where's my learning ? "
For your being obnoxious, I was sure enough the gentleman
was to seek, else I should not have answered as I did, which
was quick enough.
And for the good knight, he gave me some light (take heed
of a ballad). And are you there, that you care as little for
1 o [r] d s theyforyo
some 60, 51, [69], 34, 71, as 89, 44, 80, 36, 49, 70, 79, 50,
u
53, 20 ?
Hold you there, and all is well. And if you have erred
so often in praying upon your beads, and understand neither
yourself nor them, for this time I will use the power of the
keys and absolve you. But if ever you be so superstitious
again to the saint, I will absolve you no more, but pray
for your reformation. And though you be now a great
protestant against it, yet take heed of a relapse. For
Mr. Walter Mountague, as zealously bred as you, is turned
Roman Catholic v, and has written his motives to satisfy his
aged father w, who now also is inward with 200, 15, 27, 84,
Lord Cottington.
110, 29.
The Lord Cottington is recovered, but looks somewhat
thin upon it. He came to the Court to see the King on
Tuesday, January 19th, the King being the next day for
Newmarket. And presently, upon the King's return, I
believe he shall have the staff, "quod felix faustumque sit
Regi et Reipublicce."
My Lord, for our letters written with so much mirth and
freedom, I cannot hold it fit to leave them open to any
casualty that wisdom can prevent. And death may be
sudden, may be distempered (God preserve us from both and
all the like), which will hinder all-hallownx care to provide
against such snatchings as will be upon the papers of him
v [See vol. iii. p. 229. His having his change ' was dated Paris, Nov. 25,
joined the Church of Rome is men- 1635. It was published in 1641, with
tioned by Garrard as far back as the answer by his father, the Earl of
previous December. (See Strafforde Manchester, and Lord Falkland.]
Letters, vol. i. p. 490.)] x [An allusion to a fire on Allhallow
w [This ' Letter in Justification of Even.]
234 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. that dies first, to sift what it is that passed between us.
and Cottington
Did you not once write that 300, 25, 14, 250, 84, 110, 26
were all extreme inquisitive to know it ? Did you not
profess your dislike of it then ? Have they not more
occasion since to think of it, considering your duplicates
and my distance? Windebank s e
Have they not fit means by 28, 115, 260, being 71, 44,
32, 69, 45, 73, 40, 70, 80, 43? Have they not a fair
pretence to see what may concern the State ? Under that
have they not power to rifle what they will ? And though
there be nothing that either of us need much care for, yet
I can never hold it fit to keep such letters anywhere but
in the fire.
Cliff was wont to say, " Our mirth inter nos"
I cannot, I do not deny, but that it is most fit to keep by
you all such letters as bring in them any instructions or
commands from the King — that if anything be doubted of
at present, or in future, you have your warrant to show. And
the E. of Cork
yet even there, as it was in the case of 27, 15, 132, 19, my
letters were and are your warrant for divers circumstances,
and may be kept and showed for your discharge.
But then I have nothing but the King's word to me ;
and should he forget or deny it, where is my remedy ?
Howsoever, I shall deal so justly and directly with my
master's commands, as that I submit to your keeping all
such warrants as come to you from me (for so I would do
myself), and leave myself to the King's honour and justice
to avow me. As for that which you have found out for the
future, I like it extreme well to break our letters into two,
and in the one to write nothing but barely the King's
directions, which may be kept, and in the other all things
personal and private, which may be burnt. And this I will
most religiously perform, and expect the like from you.
And then let me add for that which is past, you may
without any great labour cause to be transcribed all the
passages which are in my letters that are fit to be kept,
you may send them to me, and I will subscribe them and
send them back to you, and when they come transcribe
LETTERS. 235
them for myself y. This done, your Lordship may burn all A. D. 1635.
my letters already received, and so will I all yours, save
duplicates and such public business as being seen can make
no reflection.
I will give you all the assistance I can in the case of
0 r m o n d
49, 69, 61, 50, 63, 34. God forbid it should be turned aside
the King's
from the 100 good uses, to which it ought to be put. But I
D. of Lennox
never heard that either 20 or 29 or 106 were in for it, till
now from you.
But if they be, there is more fear of them by much than
Cottington and Windebank
of him I have named. For 28, 18, 110, 83, 15, 115, 24 are
the Treasurership
closely united together with 105 ; and will do all they can, I
persuade myself.
your Lordship the King
I hear as well as you that 130 hath written to 100 that
0 r.
50, 69 will be worth five thousand pounds a-year. And if
it be but that, therefore God forbid it should slip into other
hands.
What you think of the Statutes I have sent over for the
College, I shall expect to hear at your best leisure. And if a
new set of Fellows be necessary, I have little hope of it. But
a mutual transplanting of them on both sides, I think almost
impossible ; partly because Irishmen are not capable of our
Fellowships in Oxford ; what they are with you in Cambridge
1 know not ; and partly because he that should go about to
effect that had need have little else to do, and be a man well
seen in the disposition of University men here. Else the
good is apparent, and the motives great ; for I know you will
prefer them, and the preferments begin to be very well worth
taking.
I am glad there is no other cause of the Primate's
retirement than his living at Dublin at so great a rate, but
more that there is so good a cure found out for him. As
for that, or anything else that is causelessly laid to your
.charge, you must (as I know you do) scorn and go on. For
y [This does not appear to have letters were copied in full volumes at
been done, although many of the the time by some amanuensis.]
236 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. thorough proceedings in the King's proceedings and the
Church affairs are not so thought on as they are professed.
And your going on that way can lose you nothing that is
worth the gaining. For now let men's spittle bear as foul a
froth as it will,, you do your duty, and are quiet within. In
the other way, with the breach of duty and trust, nothing is
to be gotten but a few fair words, and much falsehood under
them.
And I am confident (without any confessions of yours,
though you are pleased to make one), you could never have
compassed half that you have done already, if you had not
put on some of the lion's skin. And I would with all my
the King
heart 22, 29, 15, 84, 100, 24, were all of them as well
acquainted with Tanti exercitus, &c. as you can tell how to be
when you list. And the lion's skin is excellent clothing for
a governor, so long as it is at his command as a suit of clothes
to be put on and put off, as the weather is abroad among the
people. And 'tis most fit, if not necessary, that notorious
oppressors and sacrilegious persons should be breed2. I
thank you for the use of your dictionary to understand
that word.
I thank you for so much as is done in the Lord Antrim's
business, and will expect the rest in your due time, but shall
ask no favour for him against the King. I shall thank you
B. o f L.
also for Mr. Herbert a. As for 30, 49, 36, 60, I have given
you an accompt in my last. Here you tell me you hope you
have not troubled me with much cipher in all this. That's
true. And you add that to supply it you yark it with
thinking. That is needless. For I pray you, may you not
as safely mix cipher as you have done, to hide the main?
And for the rest 'tis no matter.
After this you conclude (to my letters) with a most serious
assurance of your never failing to make return of kindness to
me, which I believe and heartily thank you for it.
And now to your new matter which you have to hold me
longer, I find by the duplicates that the Lord Mountnorris
is in a worse pickle than Sir N. Smith found his herring.
z [To 'bree' is a North-country Wright's Provincial Dictionary.)]
term, meaning to frighten. (See a [See above, p. 21 4.]
LETTERS. 237
For my part, if it come into public debate at the Committee, A.D. 1635.
I shall be forward enough to help to save his life. But since
they say he is as bad as any groom-porter finds in the cards,
I cannot find skill enough to shuffle him out of the pack, for
I handle cards seldom, and have little skill in shuffling.
As for the secret that is in it, I shall keep counsel, and
look on, and tell no card that is in any man's hand ; but it is
that Ld. Cottington is i m p 1 o
handsomely laid 87, 15, 110, 46, 71, 28, 47, 61, 65, 59, 50,
yed S. Adam Loftus
79, 44, 34, [by] 71, 18, 40, 35, 41, 62, 23, 60, 49, 36, 73, 53, 72.
m o n y e
For if that 61, 51, 63, 80, 43 bring them on to our father
Lord Mountnorris.
Adam, it must needs take them off from 12, 26, 135, 500.
Lord Mountnorris
And so by that means 28, 200 and 135, lose all their
Lord Cottington
friends at once. And it must needs appear which 110, 300
Lord Mountnorris or P.
values most, 135, 50, 69, 6000, 66b, 27. If you mean to
have the business done for Adam or Eve, you have done well
to turn it into that course. For I have neither will nor skill
in things of that nature.
But that is not all. Had I moved it, or any other than
Lord Cottington & a 1 1
where you have placed it, 15, 110, 500, 83, 40, 59, 60 their
Lord Mountnorris
friends would have been mainly to favour 29, 84, 135, and
crossed all.
Now, I shall look on and see what they do.
Only two things I shall animadvert to. The one by way
the King h
of question. Why should not 14, 25, 100 have had 55,
a 1 f th i 8 a
40, 59, 37, 89, 46, 72, 71, 28, at least ? The other by way
that Laud hadhal fso
of wish, 88, 102, 56, 41, 35, 55, 40, 60, 36, 71, 51, 15,
much honestly h
24, 62, 53, 33, 55, 29, 56, 49, 64, 45, 91, 59, 79, for all 56,
47, 71, 19, 21, 782, 44, 70, 54, 48, 32, 43.
I might have spared all this pains ; for when I had written
thus far, I met W. B/., and by him I understand all their
b [£6000.]
238 LETTERS.
A.D. 1635. plots that have gone about to make a successor to the Lord
Mountnorris without privity are defeated. For he tells me
that my Lord Cottington hath been so honourable and so
kind to you, that he hath prevailed for him whom you would
have c. I am glad there is so much kindness between you.
In the meantime while W. R. stays for these Letters of Grant
to be sent him from Newmarket, I have the opportunity to
make an end of these letters, that so my answer to both your
despatches may go together, and so I hope you shall receive
them.
For the Irish Statutes, I'll thank you for them when I have
them. W. R. hath brought me none, and I have hitherto
forgot to call to him.
If the Bishop of Waterford be dead, what a deal of rhetoric
or rhyme is gone with him. But in earnest, the Bishopric
being so small as you say it is, it will be as hard to fit a suc
cessor from hence as from thence. For first, for holding any
thing here with a bishopric there, I shall never give way.
God bless And the King hath absolutely promised me, he will not do
fr^m^an11 ^* •^•n(^ *° sen^ a man °^ S°°d means to no means and
that is as more title, will not be done (unless you have another Dean
Boylejor as °^ Limei>ick to thank you for it in the pulpit) e. And an
a unworthy man will hurt the Church that might be helped.
Mr. Marsh f is a Chaplain in Ordinary, and I believe will not
stir upon such conditions. Better Dr. Atherton than a worse,
though, for my part, I like nothing in him at all but his
soliciting part.
What say you to a proposition? Secretary Mainwaring
hath a brother, an honest man and a good scholar g. If a
good bishopric fall there, I shall not be able to get it for him,
the King will be for his Chaplains. If he take this, I may
easily get him removed to a better bishopric.
For I would not do him the wrong, nor his brother the
unkindness, to lodge him upon this. By your Lordship's and
c [Sir Adam Loftus, the eldest son of e [See above, p. 114.]
Sir Dudley, was appointed to succeed f [Richard Marsh, afterwards Dean
Lord Mountnorris as Vice-Treasurer of of York.]
Ireland. Wentworth, in writing to Cot- « [Thomas Mainwaring, Eector of
tington, expresses his high satisfaction "Weldon, Northamptonshire, to which
at the appointment. Strafforde Let- he was instituted May 19,1614. (Wood,
ters, vol. i. p. 514.] F. 0. ii. 43.) He was admitted D.D.
d [A pun on the title and family at Oxford on the King's visit in 1G36.
name of the Earl of Cork.] (F. 0. i. 495.)]
LETTERS. 239
his brother's countenance he may with more ease do more A. D. 1635.
good than any other. And I know you wish the Secretary
so well, as that you would soon fit him with some good livings.
If you like this, he may handsomely defer his consecration
till he hath received the next harvest here, and come to all
the receipts there, such as they are. If you slip this oppor
tunity, remember that I have been mindful. But I pray let
me hear by the next what you do, for I will do nothing till I
hear from you again.
I have now measured you out length for length, and am
not ashamed of it. Take it to you, and had I leisure to my
will, I would be longer yet. But not in cipher, my good
Lord. A cipher, you know, makes hundreds and thousands,
and what not. Spare me there and write what you will. But
when they come it makes me think that I am so much in
debt that I am ready to run away. Yea, but if you do not
cipher, you must yark it with thinking. I pray do so, for I
am forced to do so here, and cannot help myself. In earnest,
I pray God it hurt me not, for I am full of thoughts arid can
not utter them. And every day must look upon my grief and
not be able to help it. The term is come to help me. I heartily
pray for your health and happiness ; and shall ever be
Windebank
At your Lordship's service, till I see a duplicate, or 115,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Jan. 23 [1635 ««].
Rec. Feb. 4, by Tkos. Forster.
P.S. — I have received a letter of thanks from my kinsman,
Sam. Browne ; and I am confident you will give me cause to
thank you for him.
I pray let my Lord Cromwell know I thank him heartily
for his deserting the Impropriations.
My Lord of Deny sends me word how kind you have been
to Croxton, notwithstanding his demerit. I must thank you
because 'tis done for my sake. But I have done with him
till his better services can regain you.
** [This letter was written in 1635 dated March 9, 1635. See Strafforde
[1636], as Wentworth's reply to it is Letters, vol. i. p. 520.]
240 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635.
LETTER CCCII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE in these no business of my own, but am as you
see willing to lay hold of occasion to salute you, and say God
bless you, which I as heartily wish.
Yet two things I have for your trouble since I writ last.
The one is at the desire of the Queen, and on the behalf of the
Lady Carew. This Lady hath a grant, to what value I know
not, out of the first fruits and twentieth parts of that kingdom.
But it seems, the clergy disliking it, or some other exception
being taken against it, she receives no benefit of her grant. I
pray your Lordship (for I have promised to give the Queen
an accompt) will you inform yourself what the demand is,
and why it stops. For if it be prejudicial to the Church, she
must think of some other thing in lieu of it. For against the
Church I shall not serve her ; nor doth the Queen expect I
should. I remember you and I were both of us at the debate
of this business at Wallingford House ; but I protest I have
utterly forgotten it.
The other you shall receive here inclosed in a paper apart,
or, in the common law phrase, in literis separalibus ; mark
you that now ! according as was resolved in our last ; that so
that may go to the fire without this. I must leave you, and
better than to the grace of God I cannot, ergo I rest
Your Lordship' s
Faithful Friend and humblest Servant,
W. CANT.
Feb. 4th, 1635.
Rec. 4th March.
Your Lordship sent me word in your last that 15, 23,
Ld. Cottington have SirA. Lof
110 were to 35, 40, 52, 44, 6000 for 71, 46, 69, 40, 59, 51, 36,
73, 53, 72, 20, 74, 49, 29, 4, 71, 52, 33, 32, 45, 43, 34,
LETTERS. 241
L. Mountnorris.
135 h. I have heard two interpretations of this abroad in A. D. 1635.
speech, both fit for you to know, both contrary to that which
and the Lord Deputy
you writ to me. For 17, 83, 130 bid me (for so you then
writ) mark how smoothly the waiting woman would carry
p e n n ye
this ; whereas one report tells me, no 05, 44, 64, 63, 80, 43,
ofit wastogoe
28, 50, 37, 47, 74, 29, 5, 10, 75, 41, 71, 73, 50, 38, 51, 45,
to h i s u s e t o the King
73, 49, 24, 56, 48, 72, 54, 71, 44; but 74, 50, 100, and that
to her it was all 35, 43, 59, 47, 52, 45, 70, 43, 34.
the Lord Deputy
Now I pray ask 130 why she bid me mark the smoothness
of this carriage.
o
you
The other report is that 200 and 130 had to send 17, 25,
Lord Cottington for Cottington for
300, 14, HO, 6000/ 2000, 37, 50, 69, 110, 1000, 36, 51, 70,
Sec. Windebank and the r e st f o r
115 84, 86, 70, 44, 92, 37, 49,k 70, some 29, 15, 6,
o th e r s and that Cottington the King t r u st
51, 89, 45, 70, 71, 83, 88, 110, to make 100, 73, 69, 53, 91,
him, the more in other
96, 85, 62, 49, 70, 43, 16, 46, 63, 17, 50, 90, 45, 70 things,
gavei t al 1 the King.
39, 41, 52, 43, 46, 74, 40, 60, 59, to 29, 100.
the King
Arid then if this be so, I cannot doubt he told 100 and
more both 75, 55, 41, 73, 56, 44, 22, 15, 69, 43, 32, 45, 42,
v e d and whence and why
53, 44, 35, 18, 83, 76, 55, 43, 64, 32, 45, 84, 23, 75, 56, 79.
So have you all my news, and by it may better look into the
the m o n y e
truth of all this than I can. But if 85, 61, 49, 63, 80, 45,
Ld. Cottington
were sent for the use of 25, 13, 9, 110, 19, only, they have
dealt very cunningly 46, 64, 39, 47, 52, 48, 63, 38, 40, 60, 59, For this
is certain
they have
h [See on this subject Garrard's let- in which he mentions that the whole done ifc>
ter to Wentworth of Jan. 8, in which sum was paid to the King. (Straf-
he specifies the way in which the forde Letters, vol. i. pp. 508, 511.)]
money was to be distributed among } [These larger numbers stand for
many of the principal officers of state, so many £. See previous Letter.]
and Cottington's letter to Wentworth, k [In MS. ' 79.']
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP. R
242 LETTERS,
t o the King. the King and
A. p. 1635. 73, 51, 100. And may make 29, 100, 84, 14, jealous of the
and your Lordship.
integrity of the proceeding of 24, 83, 130. And so you may
tell her. I hope you will let me know the truth of this
business.
LETTER CCCIII.
TO THE PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF ST. JOHN'S.
[St. John's College, Oxford.]
S. in Christo.
AFTER my hearty commendations, &c.
These are to let you understand that out of my care for the
good of that Society, and for the love I bear to the Fellows
as well succeeding as present, I have procured for the College
the perpetual inheritance of a parsonage, called the Eectory of
Gatten, in the county of Surrey. The living lies within seven
or eight miles of Croydon, and is worth, per annum (as I
am informed), better than .£100. He that gives it to the Col
lege, for my sake, is Mr. Nehemiah Rogers, now a minister
in Essex, and a man of good note ; and to the end the title
may be secure, though he had advice of very good lawyers
that it was strong enough, yet I have gotten for him again
a Broad Seal from the King to cut off all pretensions that
might be made for the Crown; which Broad Seal, together with
Mr. Rogers his conveyance to the College, I have sent down
by Mr. Hollowaym. To whom and in what order this bene
fice upon every avoidance shall be given, Mr. Rogers hath
left wholly to my care. And these orders following I shall
and do require the now President and Fellows, and their suc
cessors for ever, to observe inviolably, as you and they will
answer it to God Almighty, when an account of all things is
to be given before Him.
First, therefore, I declare that if the Rectory aforesaid fall
void in my lifetime, I will have the nomination of the clerk,
m [Afterwards Serjeant Holloway.]
LETTERS. 243
as often as it so becomes void ; but if this do happen I will A. D. 1635.
name a Fellow of that College. And this nomination I do
therefore retain to myself during life (not doubting but you
will easily assent to it), because of the neighbourhood of the
place to my summer house at Croydon.
Secondly. I ordain that in all nominations to the afore
said Rectory, so oft as it shall become void after my death,
the President and Fellows for the time being do present none
to that benefice, but only one that is actually a Fellow of your
College, and in holy orders ; or such a one, if he be not in
holy orders, as will presently enter into [them] before he be
presented.
Thirdly. That whosoever is presented to the benefice
aforesaid shall, within a year after his induction, resign his
Fellowship, and reside upon the Rectory, to perform the
duties of the place.
Fourthly. I do hereby ordain, out of love and respect to
my native country, that every second avoidance of the bene
fice aforesaid be supplied from time to time, for ever, by one of
them which have the two Reading places within the College ;
provided always, that the Fellow so nominated be in holy
orders, or willing to take them as aforesaid, and a man other
wise qualified for that service in the Church. But in case
neither of those Fellows from Reading be so qualified and in
orders, then the election, ed vice, shall be made of any other
Fellow that is capable.
Fifthly. I will and require, that upon every avoidance,
the President and Fellows proceed to the choice of a new
Rector with as much convenient speed as may be, and within
one month at the furthest ; always putting in a caveat with
the Lord Bishop of Winchester for the better preservation of
their title, especially now upon your first entering upon your
right and possession.
All other things which may any way concern this Rectory
and the several nominations to it, I leave to the wisdom and
care of the President and Fellows for the time being. With
this only, that I will have no man suffered to resign with
any naming of a successor, but have that left free to the
President and Fellows respectively. So praying that this
benefice may, from time to time, be bestowed upon worthy
R 2
244 LETTERS.
A. D. 1635. men, to the honour of God, the edification of His Church, and
the good of that society, I leave you all to the grace of God,
and rest
Your very loving Friend,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Feb. 26, 1635.
LETTER CCCIV.
TO THE QUEEN OP BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,
I RECEIVED your Highnesses letters by Mr. Hunnywood",
and I had given them present answer, but that I had then
no certainty to write, no answer being then come from the
Emperor concerning your son the Prince Elector's investi
ture. And I was not willing to create trouble to your Majesty
with a letter of compliment only.
Since, I received another letter from your Majesty by
Sir Simon Harcourt °, and on his behalf. Truly, Madam, I
have favoured the gentleman in all I may, and shall continue
to give him all the assistance that is in my power, and the
merits of his cause will bear. But if his cause be put over
to the law (as I hear it is), I shall be able to do him little
service. Yet, at your Majesty's entreaty I have inquired after
the state of the business, the better to enable myself to serve
him, though he never came at me since he delivered me your
Majesty's letters.
I humbly thank your Majesty for your gracious acceptance
of my service to both your sons, the Princes, and do heartily
pray you to believe I shall do that at all times, which, to the
best judgment I have, may serve your Majesty and them best.
His Majesty is now upon a way which, I hope, will quickly
n [Probably a connexion of Sir the Low Countries, and afterwards
Robert Honeywood, the Queen's con- greatly distinguished himself against
fidential servant.] the Irish rebels in 1641. He was
0 [Sir Simon Harcourt had served killed by them in 1643.]
under his uncle, Sir Horatio Vere, in
LETTEBS. 245
either settle the Prince's Highness in his estates and dignities A. D. 1636.
(which no man can more heartily desire to see than myself),
or else discover that no good is thence intended, and then he
will presently think of the next best. But I will at this time
trespass 110 further upon your Majesty's patience, but wholly
refer myself to my Lord Marshal P, who is going to Vienna,
and will needs honour me with the delivery of these my letters
into your Majesty's hands. 1 humbly take my leave,
Your Majesty's devoted Servant,
W. C.
Mar. 30, 1636.
Endorsed :
'Mar. 30, 1636.
' The Copye of my Lrs. to the Queen
of Bohemia, &c.'
LETTER CCCV.
TO THE DEAN AND CHAPTER OF WELLS.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
AFTER my hearty commendations, &c.
I thank you heartily for the two letters which I have
received from you. And to one of them, concerning the
choice of one Daniel Davis into a tenor's place in that
church, I have given so full satisfaction to Mr. Dean^, and
desired him to acquaint you with it, that I shall not need to
write any other letter concerning it. And so far am I from
desiring the choice of a tenor into the room of a bass or a
counter-tenor, as that I shall never think it fit where the
number is so few, to have a tenor chosen at all, where a bass
or a counter-tenor may be had ; so I leave you free for that
business of Davis, and thank you for giving me an account
how unfit it might prove for your church service to choose a
tenor at this present.
For the other business, concerning Dr. Warder, I must
P [Thomas Howard, Earl of Arunrlel, * [George "VYarbnrton.]
who was sent as Ambassador Extra- r [Dr. Samuel Warde, Margaret Pro-
ordinary to the Emperor, to negotiate fessor of Divinity, and Master of Sid-
the recovery of the Palatinate.] ncy Sussex College, Cambridge.]
246 LETTERS.
A. D. 1636. write a little more, because of his Majesty's reference to me.
But otherwise you have dealt so fairly with him, that were it
not for that reference I should not need to have written any
more to you. For, as for his dividend for the last year, you
have allowed it all unto him by common consent. For which,
as I thank you, so have I no more to say concerning it. And
for the second part of his business, since you conceive the
reasons upon which his petition is grounded to be just and
reasonable, that some part of his residence may be abated
him ; I think it will be most fit, and indifferent for me upon
the evidence and justice of the same reasons (since his Majesty
hath been pleased to refer the cause unto me), to require of
Dr. Warde that he shall keep the same proportion of residence,
and no more as of necessity than he did the last year ; which
is, as I conceive, half the residence required by statute :
always provided, that this dispensation for half residence
be no longer allowed for his use and benefit than he shall
continue the lecture which he now reads in the University
of Cambridge.
These are, therefore, not only to allow and approve the
Chapter Act which you have made for the time past, but,
further, to pray and require you, according to the power
given me by his Majesty, that you do confirm by another
Chapter Act, unto* the said Dr. Warde, Prebend-Residentiary
of that your Church of Wells, his whole dividend, though in
every year he do keep and observe but his half residence,
with such limitation as is before expressed. So, wishing you
all health and happiness, I leave you all to the grace of God,
and rest
Your very loving Friend.
I shall expect that you transcribe these letters into your
Chapter book, that so there may be a final end of this
difference.
Endorsed by Laud :
' Rece. April 3, 1636.
' From the Dean and Chapter of
Wells concerninge Dr. Ward's re
sidence, with my answer to it.'
LETTERS. 247
A.D. 1636.
LETTER CCCVI.
TO TEE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
S. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
BECAUSE your Lordship will shortly be here, (I shall be
most glad to see you,) I will spare my pains (and indeed I
had need so to do), and make this letter very short, which I
must do by answering nothing but that which is material
and present.
In my Lord Antrim's business, I both showed the certi
ficate itself, and read your Lordship's censure upon it, to the
King. My Lord Dunluce hath since received a copy of the
same from his father ; and, thereupon, by the advice of his
counsel, preferred another petition for favour to the King,
with his own hands, and delivered a paper to me with reasons
why the King should show the Lord Antrim some kindness
in this particular. These reasons I showed the King, as I
was desired; but for aught I see, the King sticks close to
the certificate, and is like to do ; yet because one or two of
the reasons deserve consideration, he hath commanded me to
keep them till your coming.
The thanks must be mine, if for my sake you respect the
Lady Duchess of Buckingham. I here therefore give you
hearty thanks for it ; but I am very sorry she hath given
you any cause of offence.
For the Lord Cromwell, you know why and what I writ.
and the King
But I do sufficiently know what opinion 27, 15, 22, 83, 100
o f h i m e and Laud d i f f e r s
have 50, 36, 56, 46, 61, 44, 84, 102, 34, 47, 37, 36, 43, 69, 71
not.
And I leave the widow Blagnal to reap the benefit of the
arbitrement to which she (foolishly enough, I think) sub
mitted.
248 LETTEHS.
A. D. 1636. I nave not only moved his Majesty not to touch upon any
moneys there, but finding that during the Commission for the
Treasury some motions tendered that way, to the number
Cottington Windebank
of 110 or 115, I thought fit to acquaint the new Lord
Treasurer3, both with your desires, and my judgment con
curring with yours, in that business. And though my Lord
Marshal's going to Vienna, and my Lord of Leicester* as
Extraordinary to France, call for money, and might have it,
yet I hope nothing but extreme necessity will force him that
way. When you come we will draw the nail closer.
You are well rid of Mountnorris. I hear no man pity him.
Lord Holland the Lord Treasurer's
And since you know how 112 stand affected for 105 sake, I
yourself
hope you will persuade 130 to look well to it.
I hope the plantation will be entirely left to your guidance ;
I have done my best that it may be so. But believe it, one
thing or other do so work us out of the way, that we do not
plant here. For the customs, the King will give you hearing,
and that is enough.
I will be ready for you, against your coming, with the
Statutes for the College at Dublin. And I think as you do,
that religion and civility in that kingdom will much depend
upon the reformation of that place.
I must confess I hold the lion's skin somewhat necessary,
and not only in that place but in these times. But I would
have great care taken how the paw be stirred.
As for Croxtonu, God send him wit to hold ; since you have
had the kindness as to give again, I must and do thank you ;
but I shall not look after him till he deserve better.
As for Browne x, I trust him with you.
I have satisfied the Queen about the Lady Carew^. And
so she must think of some other particular ; and I doubt not
but she will. God send it a good one, for there is an ' O
quantum Crowda'7* in their desires too.
8 [Bishop Juxon, appointed Lord tioned above, p. 239.]
High Treasurer, March 6th, previ- -v [The Lady Carew had some claims
ously. (See Laud's Diary at date.)] on the Irish Impropriations. See
1 [Robert Dudley.] above, p. 240.]
u [Sec vol. vi. p. 302.] z [A quotation from the celebrated
x [This was Samuel Browne, the play ' Ignoramus.']
husband of Elizabeth Browne, men-
LETTERS. 249
Now to your great business, in which you made bold to A. D. 1C36.
refer his Majesty to my relation.
The King gave you a great testimony upon it, for he said
expressly to me you were a brave servant. And for the thing
Lord Carlisle Dublin
itself, which 111 hath near 171, he likes your proposition
very well, and the bargain. And his express pleasure and
warrant to conclude the bargain I here give you by his own
princely command. And his Majesty hath promised me you
Carlisle,
shall be secreted herein from 111.
My Lord the Earl of Carlisle continues ill still. He is in
a dropsy, and certainly can never climb up May Hill without
a miracle3.
Since your opinion is so for Dr. Atherton, that he is the
fittest man for Waterfordb, I have accordingly moved his
Majesty and gotten it for him, and his Com men dam as you
desire. He may do well in following the means belonging
to that bishopric. But I confess clearly to you, since I had
speech with him in England, I have no opinion of his worth
or honesty0. I pray God I be deceived. His benefice in
Somersetshire will now be in the King. I pray send me the
name of it.
the E. of Cork
I hope 132 will be glad of his preferment d.
I know the Archbishop of Dublin and Peters, and I hope
you will do no wrong to that see. Therefore I leave him and
his patent ; but I must write if he desire me, and this is the
comment.
For Sir Roger O'Shaughnesy and Martin — if there have
been so foul and dangerous a combination (as you mention)
a [James Hay, the first Earl of Car- the justice of the charge under which
lisle. See his character in Clarendon, he was condemned. He was a man
Hist, of Rebellion, vol. i. p. 108.] learned in canon law. The benefice
b [This see was vacant by the death he held in Somersetshire was Huish
of Michael Boyle, Dec. 27, 1635.] Combflower. The Commendam men-
c ["Laud was right in his judgment, tioned was a stall in Christ Church,
Atherton turned out an infamous lei- Dublin ]
low, and was executed about the time d [It will be remembered that the
Lord Strafford was impeached." Earl of Cork held in his hands a large
The above marginal note is written amount of property belonging to the
in another hand in MS. But see Wood, See of Waterford. See the extract
Ath. Ox. ii. 891, where Dr. Bliss quotes from Carte quoted in Wood, Ath. Ox.
a passage from Carte's Life of Ormond, as referred to in- previous note.]
which throws considerable doubt on
250 LETTERS.
A. D. 163G. amongst them, I pray God you may discover it to the
bottom.
As for Darcye, he doth certainly but trifle here, and I hope
at your coming we shall be rid of him. Sooner, it may be,
the E. of Cork
but I see he hankers still. For the business concerning 132,
I have again, as your Lordship desires, acquainted his Ma
jesty with it. And the King answers clearly, as he formerly
did — If forgery be evidently proved, you are to proceed to a
public hearing. If otherwise, then to treat ; but so as the
composition be ten thousand pounds at least, the whole resti
tution of Youghal, and an humble acknowledgment under
his hand of his Majesty's great favour and grace towards
him in sparing his public sentence. And your Lordship shall
do extremely well to end with him one way or other before
your coming, else the importunities will not be borne. Other
warrant than this I hope you expect not. I am sure you
express not.
I hope you will now receive all other warrants neces
sary to make way for your coming, by Mr. Secretary
Coke, and I have done my best to help them, and set for
ward all your other businesses, especially Darcy's return,
whose stay here the more I consider and compare with
the affairs present in Ireland, the more I cannot but see
what practices are against the King's service, under the
name of serving him. And this is neither in a few nor in
light matters.
When I had written thus far, in comes this enclosed, from
the Lord Archbishop of Dublin. I was glad he submits to
me. And I, in these enclosed letters to him, have given him
this advice : not to hazard all his patent, because he is denied
one or two particulars in it. But if he can get no more,
to content himself to have that fairly confirmed unto him
which shall be thought fit to pass from the King. And I
have given him this counsel in confidence. Your Lordship
will see nothing taken from him and his Church, that is fit
to be granted to him. I long now till I see you. So God's
e [Darcy was one of the agents sent till the following September. See
over to plead against the King's claim Birch's Court of Charles I. vol. ii.
to lands in Gal way. (See above, p. 219.) p. 247.]
He remained in England at least
LETTERS. 251
blessing be upon you and your journey, to make both happy, A. D. 1636.
which are the prayers of
Your Lordship's
Loving poor Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, April 8th, 1635.f
Recd- 19th, by Mr- Wyborne.
The sickness is this week begun in London ; two died of it
in Whitcchapel.
I send you here a petition about the tithes in London
derry.
I thank your Lordship for writing your private conceptions
apart. I like the rule extremely well, and the better to see
it in practice. I will pursue it, and so soon as I have an
swered at any time, according to the use that is to be made
of what is written, I shall not fail to burn the papers, and
Lord Cottington
not leave them to the cunning of 110 or any other arith
metician.
At this time only I will be bold to keep these bye-papers
of yours till your coming, for a little conference sake that
must be remembered.
I can now easily believe that the suits which come
Sec. Windebank
from 115, though they be not so vast as those that are
the Earl Marshal
made by 107, are in proportion as pernicious, and to the
shaking of foundations. For since they, even all the
Sec. Windebank me
number of them, 115 in all, have forsaken 102, I am so
myself
partial to 102, that I am apt to believe anything against the
other. Ingratum dixeriSj &c. You see I have not forgot all
my old ends. And I hope you will pardon this partiality
in me.
f [This letter belongs to April,1636. skin somewhat necessary,' and ' 0
This is obvious from the mention of quantum crowda.' Besides which the
the new Treasurer (Juxon having been Earl Marshal went to Germany early
appointed March 6, 163f), of Went- in 1636, as ambassador, and Leicester
worth's being well quit of Mountnorris shortly afterwards to France. (See
(his sentence having been passed in StrafForde Letters, vol. i. p. 520.) The
1635), and from Laud's referring to error in date must have arisen from
two passages in Wentworth's letter of the carelessness of the original tran-
March 9, 1635 : ' I hold the lion's scriber.]
252 LETTERS.
the Earl Marshal
A. D. 1636. You give a right judgment that 107 is not so propitious
you
to 130 as he hath formerly been.
Well, in hope you will pardon my partiality, I will tell
The S o n n e
you a tale:— 85, 71, 50, 63, 64, 44 and Secretary of
Windebank
17, 115 were lately at a tavern, together with some other
company. Cottington
There they said 110, 27, 23, 15, would in one year
the Treasurer «
screw (that was the word) into 29, 15, 84, 105 that now are,
and do all things he pleased, being most able, &c. As for
Laud
102, it was no matter; they were peremptory men, but could
do nothing. What think you, if this be true? Are they
not well brought up ? And this is told me by one that was
present, and heard it, and with some indignation, knowing
whose they are. Laud
I would tell you what I think of the prophecy of 102,
Cottington Treasurer
concerning 110, and his being 105 ; but that William Raylton
calls for my letters. And so you must laugh at this and
all the rest, at your coming, till when I leave you.
I have a most excellent story to tell you of your old friend
Cottington the Treasurership.
Sir Arthur Ingram, about 110 and 105. 1 hope you will be
so wise as to call for it.
LETTER CCCVII.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. O.j
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,
1 GIVE you humble and hearty thanks for your noble
acceptance of my poor endeavours for the good of the Prince
your son. And I assure your Majesty I will be ready to do
* [That is, ' the Treasurer that now is,' the plural being used for the singular,
as a blind ]
LETTERS. 253
his Highness all the service which in my understanding shall A. D. 1636.
appear conducible to his happy settlement.
Bat as I have ever humbly entreated of your Majesty that
I might write freely what I think, so do I now desire the
same favour. And in hope that this my suit is granted, I
shall first be bold to say, that I do not yet see why your
Majesty should be troubled at the King's sending off an
ambassador to the Emperor. For his Majesty will certainly
make good what he writ to you, and take a delaying answer
for a denial. But Taller L was not sent to receive that
answer, but to prepare for it, so that unless the Emperor
would presently have cast off the motion for investiture
(which he did not), there was no remedy but the King must
send an ambassador, with powers both to receive an answer
and to conclude upon it, as he shall find fit upon the place, for
else the King will be thought to desert his own motion.
Secondly, for the Lord Marshal, the person chosen and
sent, your Majesty is, and so may well be, fully satisfied of
him and his affection to yourself and the Prince your son ;
and certainly his wisdom and fidelity to the King can never
suffer him to do or yield anything that shall be dishonour
able or disadvantageous to the business he hath in hand, and
I am confident he will speed it all he can, as well knowing
what haste the thing itself requires.
In the last place, I am altogether unsatisfied with that
which your Majesty hath written. First, because my Lord
Marshal sent me word from the Hague, that your Majesty
was wholly and really disposed to observe the way into which
the King my master hath put those affairs. Secondly, be
cause he writes also that the Prince of Orange expressed his
opinion to him that the Palatinate must be regained by
degrees, arid that it were happy if it might be so done, there
being little hope to fetch in all at once. Now (may it please
your Majesty) you write to me to persuade with his Majesty
not to accept of a part, and that so to do will be dishonourable
to the King, having protested he will not be satisfied but
with having of all. And this is contrary to all that my Lord
Marshal writ to me, both of your Majesty's real submission
h [John Taylor. Many of his despatches are preserved in the State
Paper Office.]
254 LETTERS.
A. D. 1636. to the King's judgment, and to the opinion delivered by the
Prince of Orange. Next, it is (I doubt) mistaken in itself;
for the King certainly never intends to go less than all,
that is, he will have all granted (as yourself desires), and all
the Lower Palatinate into present possession. The Upper,
though granted, must be stayed awhile, till money can be
paid which rests upon it. And, Madam, against this way I
cannot offer to persuade the King, but I must shame my
judgment, and give counsel to hurt the Prince's Highness.
I would to God he had the Lower Palatinate in possession,
and the Upper in assurance, and I would think the King my
master, and the Prince your son, both happy. And who
soever gives your Majesty or the Prince counsel against this,
(if it may be had), I hold it not fit to say what I think of
them, not only in regard of the peace of Christendom, but of
the Prince's good and safety. Besides, I do humbly beg of
you to consider well, if the Palatinate cannot be had of the
Emperor in this fair way, but that it must be recovered by
arms, will it then be possible to get it any otherwise than by
pieces, and those small ones too, in comparison of the whole
Lower Palatinate ; or can your Majesty think the Emperor's
forces will be so easily beaten out that the Prince's Highness
may enter upon all at once ? Sure you cannot think so. I
am sure I cannot. And therefore, with your pardon, I dare
not move the King to alter from that which he hath so
maturely advised upon. But in that way, or any other that
by the King's wisdom shall be found fitter, I will be most
ready, upon my first apprehending of it, to serve your Majesty
and the Prince your son. So God bless and speed the cause,
which shall be the daily prayers and endeavours of
Your Majesty's most humble Servant,
W. CANT.
Endorsed :
' The Copye of mye Leters to the
Queene of Boh. in answear to Mrs
of April 19. Concerninge the re-
ceavinge of the Palatinate bye de
grees.'
LETTERS. 255
A. D. 1636.
LETTER CCCVIIL
TO THE PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF ST. JOHN'S.
[St. John's College, Oxford.]
S. in Christo.
AFTER my hearty commendations, &c.
I lately sent letters to your College concerning two
benefices, (the perpetual donation whereof I procured), and
in them declared my resolution, that successively for ever
every third turn in the Parsonage of Bardwell, in Suffolk,
and every second turn in the Parsonage of Gatten, in Surrey,
should be bestowed by the President and other suffragants
upon one of the two Fellows which come from the school of
Reading, they or either of them being for learning, civil
carriage, continuance and degree in the University, capable
and fit for those places. This ordinance I have made as full
and as strong as my power could reach to, but since con
sidering with myself that it may often so fall out that, at
the several avoidances of the livings aforesaid, neither of
the Reading Fellows may be, by reason of their younger
years, or otherwise, capable of this benefit intended to them,
I have thought good to interpret my former letters by these,
and not lay such a strict charge for every third and second
turn (as is before mentioned), to be so precisely annexed to
the Reading places. For I cannot fear but that my con
tinued care every way to advance that College shall ever be
answered with their serious endeavours to perform that which
I shall reasonably demand from them, and shall therefore be
the less solicitous in this particular.
Nevertheless, that they of my native country may rest
sufficiently assured in the expectation of that which I have
devised for them, concerning the two benefices aforesaid, and
that the President and Fellows in each age may the more
expeditely perform that part of my will which is now a
second time more manifested unto them ; I do by these
presents declare my full resolution is, that the two Fellows
256 LETTERS.
A.D. 1636. coming from Reading school (they being then capable and
worthy of those places), shall be nominated for the first turn
unto those two benefices; the one to the Rectory of Bard well,
in Suffolk, the other to the Rectory of Gatten, in Surrey ; as
also that from this nomination they do either formally or
equivalently enjoy the benefit of every second nomination
and election into the Rectory of Gatten, and every third into
the Rectory of Bardwell, from this their first.
I do therefore earnestly require and (as much as in me
lieth) bind the conscience of the President and Fellows, who
either have or may have the power in any such nomination
or election, that upon every avoidance of those benefices they
do diligently peruse their register, and according to my
express mind make choice of a Reading Fellow for every
second course into Gatten, and for every third course into
Bardwell ; and if it shall happen through the present incapa
bility of the then Reading Fellows, as not being in orders,
or their apparent insufficiency either in learning or manners,
that the President and Fellows cannot supply the forenamed
turns according as I have formerly appointed, that then they
do at the next avoidance make choice of a Reading man, to
make up that former defect ; which manner of choice I will
have for ever maintained, with such care and respect unto
this my declaration, that as near as may be, from time to
time, and at all times, for ever, it may appear upon the
register, that either the Reading Fellows had strictly and
in precise form the second or third course, as hath been
respectively devised by me, or in case that could not be per
formed, by reason of their incapability, that the President
and Fellows do by immediate succeeding elections make good
the same turns unto them. Thus hoping that your succes
sors will observe this my pleasure and command, and your
selves not only do the same, but likewise care that this my
letter, for their better direction, may be registered, I leave
you to the grace of God, and rest
Your very loving Friend,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, May 13th, 163G.
LETTERS. 257
A. D. 3636.
LETTER CCCIX.
TO THE DEAN AND CHAPTER OF CANTERBURY.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christo.
AFTER my hearty commendations, &c.
I found in the business concerning your Statutes, that
many different motions were made by some of your com
pany concerning moneys received from your tenants by the
Dean and the Receiver, to the prejudice, as was then con
ceived, of the common stock, and to no small burden upon
the tenants, all which (if I understand that business rightly)
went from the public into the Dean and Receiver's purse.
I thought fit, therefore, now you are together at one of your
general Chapters, to put you in mind of this business, and
withal, of the meanness of jour quire for a church so great
and so well endowed, and to desire you out of these great
fees to raise something for their better maintenance, and that
to some good proportion.
For conferring the letters and other papers which I have
received at several times and from several hands, I found (if
those relations be true) that the Receiver seldom or never
goes to visit the farms, as he is required by his office, but
only receives the fee, and there is an end. In which case I
think it is very requisite that some farms at the least be
visited every year, and the succeeding Receiver may visit
them, or some of them, which the former left. For which
service I think a mark a day with oats and other corn that
is allowed him is a very sufficient salary. So the overplus
may go to the quire, the Dean contributing a reasonable
proportion out of his allowance as well as the Receiver.
And I say a reasonable proportion, because it comes out of
the Dean's allowance every year, and out of the Receiver's
but once in nine or ten years, as that office falls to his turn ;
which can be no great loss to any one prebend, and may
prove a great advancement to the quire and God's service
therein, and do therefore heartily recommend it to you,
"• LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP. S
258 LETTERS.
A.D. 1636. I found likewise a later complaint, arising about a decree
made by three or four of the Prebends in the absence of the
Dean. The question that is made is whether there be any
right or precedent for such a decree to be made, or, being
made, to stand and be of force. This I remit to your con
sideration now at your general meeting, that your registers
may be searched for precedents, and that there may be
no innovation against the Dean's power or the Prebends'
freedom in that behalf. And do therefore hereby pray you
to confirm or abrogate that decree, as you shall find it to
agree or disagree with your local Statutes, and ancient usage
in that church.
It hath likewise been put to me, what allowance I should
think fit to give the inferior officers of the church to execute
by their deputies. And truly, for my part, I think it best
for the discharge of those meaner places, that such men be
placed in them as will execute them by themselves. Yet
shall I not be so strict in this particular, but that upon
special cause I shall give way that they may discharge those
offices by a deputy, though only by such a one as shall be
first approved of by Dean and Chapter.
And, last of all, where there hath been a difference about
the nomination of some of the Dean's servants to these
meaner offices, I cannot but think it hard that if he have a
fit servant for the place, he should not so much as name him
to the Prebends to be chosen. And as hard upon the
Prebends' side, that none should be named unto them but
his servants. Therefore I shall think it best to go the
middle way. That is, that in all such nominations the
Dean propose two, three, or more, to the Chapter, of which
one, at the least, shall not be his servant. And then I, for
my part, cannot but think the Chapter will be always so
kind to a deserving Dean, as that they will rather choose a
servant of his, or one of their own, if he be nominated,
before a stranger. These things, well ordered amongst you,
will, I hope, tend to the honour and peace of that church,
which I heartily desire. And I hope I shall not need to put
you in mind of that which his Majesty hath written against
the renewing of leases within the close j or any other thing
settled by any injunction of my worthy predecessors or
LETTERS. 259
myself. And I hereby pray and require you to register A. D. 1636.
these my letters, with such your effectual answer as you shall
give unto them. So I leave you all to the grace of God, and
rest
Your very loving Friend and Visitor.
Croydon, June 23, 1636.
Endorsed :
' The Copye of my Letters to the
Dean and Chapter of Cant, con
cerning provision for the Quire, &c.'
LETTER CCCX.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAT IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,
I AM much bound to your Majesty for your most noble
and favourable acceptance of the freedom with which I write.
In which I give this assurance, that I shall very carefully
serve your Majesty and the Prince your son in all those
ways which my judgment can acknowledge to lead to your
good, and the settlement of his Highnesses estate.
And to the several parts of your Majesty's letters I shall
take the boldness to answer thus : — I know you distrust
none of the King's intentions towards yourself or yours,
but I confess you have little cause to trust the Emperor,
or expect much good from him ; yet, whereas your Majesty
writes that he hath deluded the Kings, your blessed father
and gracious brother, for these sixteen years; under favour,
I conceive, there may be some mistake. I shall become no
advocate for the Emperor ; and I shall easily acknowledge
he hath done little to gratify either of those gracious Kings ;
but I doubt how it can be said he hath deluded them.
For I think he was scarce ever put home to show himself
till now, so many things were carried upon half ways.
But now I assure myself he must declare one way or other,
and then the King will do what shall best beseem his
wisdom, and I am most confident will riot be deluded.
s 2
260 LETTERS.
A. D. 1636. And it may fall out that their laughter and jeering which
you say is at Bruxells and all over that side, may in due
time return upon themselves.
If my Lord of Aruiidel mistook either your Majesty or the
Prince of Orange, there's an end of that, I cannot help it;
but that my Lord writ so to me as I expressed in my former
letters is evident, and I have his letters to show for it.
And if the Prince of Orange did say that if all the Lower
Palatinate were restored freely without any conditions to tie
your son the Prince to anything but as he was before, that
then he might accept it as now you write ; then 'tis no
matter whether my Lord of Arundel mistook his Highness
or not, for the King my master did never speak or think of
less than the Lower Palatinate, nor to take that in any other
way; so what disjoints the thoughts of men for this particular
I know not.
And whereas your Majesty is pleased to add that both
yourself and the Prince of Orange think that neither the
Emperor, nor Spain, nor* Bavaria, will do this but upon
dishonourable terms of quitting all the Prince Elector's
friends, or maiming his country; Truly, Madam, the first
part of this is absolutely the desiring that to be granted
which is the very thing in question. And the latter part, of
quitting his friends and maiming his country, are things
which I presume the King will know well how he yields
unto. And whereas your Majesty conceives the Electorate
will at this Diet be settled upon Bavaria and his house, that
also desires that to be granted to you which is yet in question
till my Lord of Arundel have his answer.
By the next passage I perceive more hands have been in
your Majesty's last letters than your own. In them you are
pleased to say, that you grant with me that if the recovery
be by arms it must be by pieces, as it may be gotten ; but if
by treaty, then, if they mean really, they may as well give all
as a part. But I humbly beseech your Majesty to mark but
your own words. In the first it is ' must ; ' in the second
passage it is but ' may.' Now 'tis most true, he that is in
possession of a place, and renders it by treaty, ' may ' give all
at once if he will, but there's never a 'must' upon him so to
do; nay, he may mean really to give all, and yet give that all
LETTERS. 261
by pieces, that he may have trial and the better assurance of A. D. 1636.
him to whom he gives ; so your Majesty sees my former
argument holds still, and as well for restitution by treaty as
recovery by arms. And yet, after all this, this is not the
Prince your son's case. For if he may have all the Lower
Palatinate presently, and a fair way open for the rest (which
is that which the King proposes), it cannot be called a
restitution by piecemeal, but is such as yourself confesses the
Prince of Orange thinks fit to be accepted.
After this your Majesty denies that you said to my Lord
Marshal that you had rather have your son the Prince
restored by force than by treaty ; but you grant it is all one
to you by what way he be restored, so he be restored fully
and honourably. Under favour, good Madam, not so. For
it cannot be all one to Christendom nor to yourself to have
him restored, be it never so honourably, by arms as by treaty.
It may be there is soldier's counsel in this, Madam, but I
am a priest, and as such I can never think it all one to
recover by effusion of Christian blood and without it, provided
that without blood, right may be had.
Madam, I easily believe your Majesty hath not written
thus freely to me either to censure or dispute the King's
actions. And as confident I am his Majesty will do nothing
that shall prejudice the Prince in honour or right. And
therefore as you take comfort in the answer he gave you, so
I shall hope and pray that you may have real comfort in the
good end of the whole business. By which end (might I be
blessed to see it) no man living could possibly receive more
contentment, than1
[And I humbly beseech you, be confident I shall continue
to your Majesty and the Prince your son all offices which can
be expected of me, and that I am able to perform. In all
which I shall rest]
Your Majesty's most humble Servant,
Croydon, Junii 26, 1636. W. CANT.
' [This sentence must be read with- wards erased. The erased portions are
out the concluding paragraph, which, here printed in brackets.]
as well as the postscript, was after-
262 LETTERS.
A. D. 1636. [The Prince, I thank him, acquainted me with the passage
which your Majesty sent him concerning the expression
which the Polish Ambassador j made of me. And when the
Ambassador came to visit me, I led him into a discourse
about religion so far as that I made him to seek what to say
to me, and the relation of it made the King very merry. 'Tis
too long for a letter.]
Endorsed :
' The Copye of mye answear to ye
Q : of Bohe : Leters of Jj- of June.'
LETTER CCCXI.
TO SIR JOHN LAMBE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. O.]
S. in Christo.
SIR,
SINCE you profess yourself fit for nothing but plays in the
country, and that you will be for nothing else till Michaelmas
term, I will tell you what I think of them. Your first, which
was a Tragi-Comedia, and the chief actor Mr. Foster, truly
I think the first act was very well played, for the justices
to take care to prevent the coming of the sickness into the
country. The second as well, in sending their warrant to
the several constables. The third not so well, though usual,
neither on the constables' side, to send the warrant to be pub
lished in the church by the minister ; nor so discreetly by the
minister, since he might have done it by the parish clerk ; the
only aim of those publications being, as I conceive, to let all
the parish know them, which seldom meet anywhere but at
church. The fourth was extremely ill acted, which im
prisoned the minister. The fifth, which contained the cata
strophe, was well, but not home. Well, because Foster was
delivered ; but not home, because the two justices were not
made publicly a little better to understand themselves and
the Church. And now for the Epilogue, I could almost find
in my heart to send for the two justices to the Council Table,
to receive there what they wanted at the assizes.
•* [See below, p. 270.]
LETTERS. 263
It seems your second play is not acted yet, and that you A. D. 1636.
are uncertain whether it will be performed at Oxford or Cam
bridge. At Oxford certainly it will not be. I think I have
taken order already for other playsk. As for Cambridge, let
them look to it whom it concerns.
The third play, it seems, was made of yourself and your
swollen face, and the dolorous pain there. But truly I did
not hear of your death, the Tragedy did not extend so far,
and indeed I am glad to hear you protest against it. Yet it
seems that kept you from seeing the first play at Leicester,
where I would you had been. For truly, for my part, I think
the clergy should do wisely to refuse reading of anything in
the church by themselves or curates, save what comes im
mediately from the King or from their Ordinaries, and leave
all the warrants to the parish clerk, or rather the petty con
stable himself; for I know of neither law nor canon that com
mands the priest to do it. And since you are going into
Buckinghamshire, I hear of very good stuff from thence ;
I pray look to it.
The fourth play is of a crane, but I perceive you are not
able to stand to see it acted. For yourself confess you have
but one good leg, and that will not serve you to stand upon.
'Tis true the crane stands often upon one leg, but then he
hath the other as good, and so changes at pleasure to bear
up his body ; but you confess your other was broken, and
swells if it be gartered ; and thereforeall the care in the
world will be taken to keep it untied, that it may serve your
use the longer. Indeed, to say the truth, your neck and legs
are so short that I see nothing like a crane in you, only
I have heard that about Christmas time your swallow is
very good.
Your fifth play hath not many actors in it ; Sir Charles
will look to that, and play all to himself. I see the best
actors, besides, are but in black sheepskins. I think it is
the second part of Aulularia ; and if St. Paul's have nothing,
sure it is either because plays are not acted in churches as
they were wont to be, especially such plays as this, or because
the play-maker doubts he may want audience.
k [This appears to be a reference to Oxford at the King's entertainment
the plays which were to be acted at there. (See vol. v. pp. 149, 153.)]
264 LETTERS.
A. D. 1636. Here, it seems, your plays are all done, and not one of them
worth a ' plaudite.' For your opinion about drawing up the
order, I think there will be little done to prejudice the Bishop
of Ely's jurisdiction ; yet certainly it will be exclusive of his
power to visit1. I have read over your papers inclosed, and
see what practising there hath been in the great business.
Howsoever, he is once more gone down re infectdm.
Now I have a business to you seriously, which must needs
be done. Mr. John Lufton, Bachelor of Lawsn, is by my
means parson of Ibstocke, and hath, by my means also,
a sine curd in Wales, worth better than 100/. per annum.
These preferments have made him give over his Fellowship in
St. John's College ; but out of the town, where he hath taken
a house, I cannot get him, though I have given him a great
deal of good counsel. He is a hot man, and his spleen such
against Dr. Bay lye, the President, whom I have now made
Vice-Chancellor0, that I am in a bodily fear it will, by provo
cations, grow to some inconvenience, which I am by all
means willing to prevent, and withal to make him do his
duty. I pray, therefore, call him, with all the convenient
speed you can, to residence at Ibstocke, and see that you
take no shuffling answer to be put off, but put the utmost
upon him if he will not reside. He is above forty years of
age, and so can have no benefit by the Statute to stay in the
University P. I hope you will see this done, and take notice
of the abuse as of yourself and not from me. So wishing
you health, I leave you to God's grace, and rest
Your very loving Friend,
W. CANT.
Croydon, July 30, 1636.
Endorsed by Lambe :
' My Lo. of Cant., 30 Jul. 1636,
of M*. Lufton to reside, &c.'
1 [This relates to Laud's intention and Episcopalian.' (Wood, F.O.ii.42.]
of visiting the diocese of Ely.] ° [See vol. v. p. 143.]
m [Probably a reference to the case P [It appears that many non-resi-
of Bishop Williams.] dent Clergy were congregated in the
n [He became D.C.L. in 1642. ' He University afe this time. (See vol. v.
was always esteemed a great loyalist pp. 208, 209.)]
LETTERS. 265
A.D. 1636.
LETTER CCCXIL
TO SIR THOMAS ROE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christ o.
WORTHY SIR,
I HAVE received your letters, and with them another
from Mr. Diugleyq, and with that the copy of the Memorial
presented to his Majesty at .Apthorpe, from the Queen of
Bohemia. I have not had time to weigh and consider these
businesses, but I shall take them into my special care, and
not be wanting to the Queen of Bohemia or the Prince Elector
in anything that in my poor judgment may best stand with
the King my master's ends, and best and most safely advance
their cause.
For the particular which you observe concerning the
rumour spread by the Imperialists, that my Lord Marshal
was principally employed to ratify a league, offensive and
defensive, with the House of Austria, and that to mediate for
the Prince Elector was but collateral, cannot possibly have so
much art in it as falsehood, unless it be for a present push only,
for the falsehood must quickly appear, and then the art itself
is bewrayed. Though I am not ignorant that for the present
such reports as these do discourage some men too much, and
set some other dispositions (God help us!) on fire too soon.
If you please to come to Croydon the next week (as you
write you will) you shall be heartily welcome, and you will find
it a pretty stiff journey, as the ways are now. For my taking
your house in my passage to Oxford r, I will make it my reso
lution to trouble you for a night, upon these two conditions :
the one, that you will let me come as to a private lodging,
for ease, and not trouble yourselves with chargeable enter
tainment ; the other, that you will let me be gone betimes in
the morning, without eating, for my thoughts will be full of
my business, and will make me no good company for any of
my friends. And these conditions performed may make me
[The Queen of Bohemia's agent.]
[Where he was about to entertain the King and Queen.]
266 LETTERS.
A. D. 1636. more free with you at my return. The sickness, I hear, is
at Uxbridge ; God keep it from increasing.
I perceive the wedding is going on, God bless it ; but I am
much beholding to you for your care, that you will see all
safe before you proceed ; for which and all other your care
and kindness I heartily thank both yourself and your lady,
who I hope is well, though you mention her not ; and I pray
remember my respects to her, with thanks to you both for
my late kind entertainment. So I leave you to the grace of
God, and rest
Your very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Croydon, Aug. 4, 1636.
To my very worthy friend Sr- Thos.
Roe, Kl>, at his house at Cranford,
these.
LETTER CCCXIII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
Salutem in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
YOUR Lordship may please to remember that at Hamp
ton Court I spoke to you concerning one Dr. Gray s, who is
at this time beneficed in the North, but hath a great desire
to plant himself in Ireland. At his request I have written
these my letters, which are only to present him to your
Lordship, and for the other things to leave him to such
fortunes as his own merits, both for life and learning, shall
approve him worthy of. He may no longer hold the living
he hath here in England.
So having nothing else at this time to trouble you, I leave
the bearer to your nobleness, and yourself to God's grace,
ever resting
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Croydon, Aug*. 4th, 1636.
8 [This was not improbably Thomas umberland. (See Walker's Sufferings,
Grey, Vicar of Ponteland, in North- p. 253.)]
LETTERS. 267
A. D. 1636.
LETTER CCCXIV.
TO JAMES TJSSHER, ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH.
[Irish Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY TT PLEASE YOUR GRACE,
I HAVE received your Lordship's letters concerning some
differences lately fallen out betwixt the Visitors of the
College, near Dublin, and the Provost*, and some of the
senior Fellows there, by the hands of Mr. Feasant, one of
the parties interessed11. Wherein after a full relation of the
state of the whole matter, you desire that I would confer,
with my Lord Deputy about it, and that matters may stand
as they do till my Lord Deputy's return. To which desire
of your Lordship's I do very easily agree, giving you also
hearty thanks for the respects which you express in your
letters towards me ; but further answer I know not how to
make for the present, because your letters came not to my
hands till my Lord Deputy had taken his leave of me and was
gone to wait upon his Majesty, in his progress in Nottingham
shire, and from thence into Yorkshire, and comes not back
to London ; neither have I received any account from the
Provost of his proceedings herein, according to that his
resolution mentioned in your Lordship's letters. But as
soon as I hear from him I shall write to my Lord Deputy,
and I will then take the best course I can for the settling of
the College, and in that way which (I hope) your Lordships
shall both approve of; in the meanwhile, I have given order
to the Provost, that all things may stand in statu quo, till he
hear further from me, at my Lord Deputy's return thither.
So, &c.
Endorsed :
' Aug. 5, 1636.
' The copye of my Lrs. to my Lord
Primat of Armagh about ye dif
ference at Dublyn Coll., &c.'
[William Chappel.], u [See vol. vi. p. 464.]
268 LETTERS.
A. D. 1636.
LETTER CCCXV.
TO MR. SUMNERX.
[Domestic Correspondence^. P. O.]
S. in Christ o.
THE last year when you attended me about the arms of
the clergy, I gave you all the directions I could think of,
that might any way help me in the better government of my
diocese, especially in those things which belong to your own
office, and of which you cannot but have better knowledge
than other men. And I shall have needs of all such adver
tisements, both in regard of the liberty of these times, and
in regard that I am necessarily detained in absence from
my diocese. Sir Nath. Brent is an honest man, and may be
able to give me some information of such men as are refrac
tory to the Church, but living so much from Cant, as he doth,
it is not possible for him to do me the service I expect, con
cerning the carriage of the clergy there in matter of life and
conversation ; a thing which I should no way be ignorant of,
if I could well tell how to know it. And you may remember
the last year (for I think I told it you plainly enough), that
I would yearly expect an account from you, what you either
knew or probably heard in that kind of any of them, without
respect of persons. Since this my charge laid upon you, I
have not received from you any one letter, nor any the least
information, by message or otherwise, that any way tends
this way. And I remember well, that to the end you might
not make an excuse, that you could hardly be well informed
of their carriage that live in the outskirts of the diocese
(and yet I know how skilful other registrars are in that way),
I laid my principal charge upon you, to observe those in
Canterbury and thereabouts, that at least I might not have
scandalous men go free in the prime parts of the diocese,
to give an ill example to all the rest. Notwithstanding this
charge laid thus upon you by me, you have not now in this
whole year given me any the least information of any one
* [William Sumner, or Somner, the officials in the Ecclesiastical Court of
well-known Antiquarian, and Anglo- Canterbury, to which office he was
Saxon scholar. He was one of the promoted by Laud.J
LETTERS. 269
man. If no man were disorderly or negligent in his cure, I A.D. 1636.
would think this a great happiness, but I doubt that it is not
so. For the common voice of the country (though you have
been thus silent) tells me otherwise, and yet this way I can
hear nothing but in generals. You know that every Christ
mas I am to give an account to the King both of my diocese
and province. And for my province other bishops, but for my
own diocese all my under officers are to give me an account,
that I may be ready fairly to discharge myself to his Majesty.
These are therefore not only in mine own, but in his Majesty's
name, to require you to give me notice before the end of
November next, of all ministers in the diocese that are un-
conformable in doctrine or discipline, or disorderly in life.
And further, that you do call upon Sir Nath. Brent, and
Mr. Archdeacon y, and other inferior officers to do the like.
And of this you must not fail So I leave you to God's
grace, and rest
Your loving Friend,
W. C.
Croyden, Aug. 9, 1636.
Endorsed :
' The copye of my Lrs. to Mr. Sumner
at Cant, about gluing me an accompt
of ye disorderly Clergye,&c.'x
LETTER CCCXVI.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE TOUR MAJESTY,
I HAVE received your Majesty's letters of the 6th of
August, St. N., and though you are pleased to say you writ
them in haste, yet neither their length nor contents tell me
so much ; however, I am very glad to read in their beginning
both that your Majesty will govern yourself by the King's
y [William Kingsley.] hand : — ' A note of some disorderly
z [Attached to this letter is a docu- minist" about Cant, upon my com
ment endorsed as follows, in Laud's plaint that I had no informaco. &c.']
270 LETTERS;
A. D. 1636. counsels, and that his Majesty hath writ such a welcome
letter to you. God bless all counsels that tend to the good
of both.
In the next place, your Highness is pleased to tell me that
you must rectify me in an error, and I most humbly thank
you for it ; and since your Majesty is pleased to honour me
with a protestation, that none infused that passage into you
but yourself, I shall be most confident in my belief of it ;
yet, Madam, if it be not too much pains to look back upon
my letters, you will find, that (under favour be it spoken)
the passage which I suspected came from other hands, was
not about your indifference, whether the Prince your son
were restored by peace or by war ; but about the Emperor's
giving all or a part, if he meant really ; in which ' must ' and
' may ' are governing words, and not a mistake of a word as
your Majesty after calls it. And whereas your Majesty thinks
the Emperor will put an end to this dispute by restoring
nothing; I confess I am very sorry it should be so, but I
doubt it much, and that I would have him put thoroughly to
it, while my Lord Marshal is upon the place, who hitherto
hath behaved himself so honourably and resolutely in his
employment.
I most humbly thank your Majesty for giving me and my
profession leave to counsel, and follow peace, if it may be
kept; yet indeed, Madam, considering your sufferings, and
your long experienced patience under them, I cannot con
demn your indifferency for war or peace, so you might be
sure to light on that which might soonest and safest bring
your troubles to an end. But here I beseech you give me
leave to put you in mind again, that though the place where
you live, make the one as familiar to you as the other, yet
one of them is of far more hazardous and chargeable famili
arity than the other.
And yet, Madam, though my profession will not let me
fight, I hope you do not take me for a rank coward. For
since the Polonish Ambassador would needs report me so
confidently for a Papist a, he might have found a way, if he
a [This was the Polish Ambassador ter with the King of Poland. Great
who had come over to negotiate the expectations were entertained that she
marriage of the Queen's eldest daugh- would turn Romanist, and probably
LETTERS. 271
would assign to me some friends of his, to make me a Cardi- A. D. 1636.
nal. I might learn to fight as well as the two that are in
armsb; but certainly, as a Bishop, I cannot fancy it, nor
dye any robes of mine in blood. That Ambassador used me
ill, to misreport me so to'your Majesty as he did. But the best
is, though I believe he said it to you, yet I assure you he
denied it to me, which I hold very mean in an Ambassador,
and did therefore fit him accordingly, so far forth as not to
forget what person he represented.
And whereas your Majesty desires me to continue my
freedom in writing what I think, I shall not fail to do that,
so long as you shall be graciously pleased to allow or pardon
it. And I shall serve your son the Prince his Highness with
all fidelity, as beseems
Your Majesty 9s faithful humble Servant,
W. CANT.
Sir Tho. Roe delivered me a message from your Majesty, a
little before Sir Wi. BoswelFs man came with your letters ;
namely, that I writ with great honesty and freedom, and
that your Majesty thanked me for it. But the thanks are
due on my part, and I most humbly return them.
Endorsed :
' The Copye of mye answear to the Q.
of Bohe : Leters of Aug. 6. st. n.
and of Aug. ff .'
LETTER CCCXVII.
TO SIR JOHN LAMBE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
y S. in Christ o.
oIR,
To your last letter I have nothing to say, but that it
will lie upon your discretion how to satisfy Mr. Secretary,
and yet do your work. But I shall have time enough to
speak with you about that, if God spare me life till
Michaelmas Term.
the report which he set on foot re- b [The Cardinal Infanta, on the side
specting Laud, was in order to assist of Spain, and the Cardinal de la Va
in bringing about this change of re- lette, on that of France.]
ligion.]
272 LETTERS.
A. D. 1636. In that letter or some other, you should have done very
well to have given me some direction how I might con
veniently have written unto you, at least you should have
expressed some reason in one of them, why you sent out
such a quick citation against Mr. Luftonc, parson of Ibstocke,
to call him to residence so peremptorily, considering I spake
with you myself at Lambeth, to show him all the favour you
might lawfully in those parts. The truth is, I dislike his
non-residence as much as you or any man else can, and have
given him as much counsel to repair presently to his residence,
and do think it were better for his thrift, as well as his duty,
so to do ; but he pretends some debt which it seems he must
necessarily pay with the fruits of this harvest, in regard
whereof I do hereby heartily pray you to supersede the
citation, and to let all things stand fair with him for his
reputation as well as his safety in those parts, at the least
till Michaelmas Term, that I may speak with you, for he
promises me that he will be resident so soon as with any
convenience he can. And this kindness you must needs
show him for my sake, for I hope he will do what shall well
beseem him. So I leave you to the grace of God, and rest
Your very loving Friend,
W. CANT.
Croydon, Aug. 19, 1636.'
Endorsed by Lambe :
' My Lord Archbishop about Mr.
Lufton.'
LETTER CCCXVIII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
S. in Christ o.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
THESE letters shall have a date, and I much wonder
how I forgot to date the other d. But if to know the
time when they were written be necessary, it was at the
end of that week when your Lordship went hence. It
seems, though you be gotten northward, your gratitude is
' [See above, p. 272.] d [This letter is printed in vol. vi. p. 463.]
LETTERS. 273
grown very warm, for your letter begins with thanks for A. D. 1636.
my kindness to the Countess of Leicester e ; whereas, the
truth is, I have not so much as heard from that Lady
since you went. But 'tis all one, for whensoever she shall
be pleased to send, I shall do as much as you have desired
of me.
I did ever think that your hand to the report which we
made in the city business would weigh much with the King,
and I am glad for his Majesty's sake as well as theirs that
you have left him in so good a mind.
And when I again have the honour to wait upon him next
(which I believe will be so soon as he is past Oxford), I
shall see whether he continue in that resolution, yea or no.
Howsoever, your Lordship sees I am grown a very wise man
— for you know, I told you and my Lord Cottington, at
Croydon, that if that fifty thousand pounds value had [been]
then expressed, we should have had another answer from
Court than we received.
If this business come well to an issue, I will handsomely
infuse it into the city how much they are beholden to you,
not that I think you greatly value any opinion of theirs, but
because the time was not long since that the Court malignity
the Treasurership
was most maliciously spread thither concerning 105 and 300.
Sec. Coke
But whether it were done most by 29, 17, and 114 or by
Cottington your Lordship.
110, 19, and 5, I leave to the judgment of 12, 83, 130.
But if you will have my judgment upon it, I think they were
the Treasurership
all in, though in different respects, to keep 18, 84, 105 from
you. And I verily believe the Lady Mora's chief waiting
woman cannot deny it.
My Lord, the pillage upon the West Coast lately com
mitted by the Turks is a miserable business, and will be
such a disheartening to the subjects at home, together with
too great a pretence against the payment of the shipping
money, and such a dishonour abroad, that such base pirates
should grow to such bold attempts, while such a navy was
on float, as that if somewhat be not done, both to suppress
e I See Ibid.]
LAUD. VOL. VI. APP. m
274 LETTERS.
A. D. 1G3G. them arid to secure the shore, all must follow which you
foresee, arid the loss of trade to boot.
While we were in Scotland (I think it was, or a little after)
there was a great debate at the Council Board about the
means of suppressing them, and it was in a fair way, and not
much different, if I remember some circumstances right, from
the way which your Lordship now proposes.
But when the Lord Treasurer that then was came to know
it, there were great pretensions made of lessening the King's
customs, and I know not what fears of the Turkish trade,
and a peremptory command given in private, and yet in the
name of the State, to let the business fall. When will the
public thrive ?
Can you tell, if these be the ways in private ?
And let me tell you, for I know it to be true, he that
laboured in the business, arid had brought it to ripeness", was
and Cottington
publicly snapt up by 200, 24, 17, 83, 110, and not so much as
the waiting woman but know it.
I have any time this four years, but especially since the
shipping began to be set forth in this order, been as earnest
as was fitting for any man to be, that is not of the Committee
of the Admiralty, for small ships of speed ; but hitherto have
not been able to prevail. It may be, this sad accident may
force out better effects. But that any of the prisoners taken
were driven overland to Marseilles, I must confess I never
heard the least muttering of it, till I read your letter, and
God forbid it should be true. But if it be, it is the most
dishonourable thing to be done by them, or to be endured
by us, that I think hath ordinarily been heard of. I shall
send you more word of this after I have had time to speak
with the King.
Your Lordship's letters f came to me on Sunday, August
21 ; and upon Monday I was to pack up, and upon Tuesday
to be gone towards Oxford.
So that it was not possible for me to send you any answer
till now, nor to do anything at all in that great difference
between the Visitors and the Provost. But since you have
sent me the papers, and that the business is referred to me,
f [Of August 17. Printed in Strafforde Letters, vol. ii. pp. 25, 26.]
LETTERS. 275
I will, God willing, so soon as ever I return to Croydon, sit A. D. 1636.
down seriously and view it, and make my determinations
under seal, and in form of law, so soon as I can have any
assistance of such a civilian as I may trust. And I will not
fail to acquaint the King with the bottom of the business,
which certainly is not this of the Fellows, but a pretence
taken from this to disgrace the Provost, or worse, if it may
be, for that great bugbear called Arminianism. And how
soever the eagerness of the Bishop of Meathg may be a
moving cause, yet the mild man himself which you mention h
is as warm in this cause as another.
And yet, God knows, that truth, whatever it be, is not
determinable by any human reason in this life. And there
fore were far better (had men that moderation) to be referred
up to the next general known truth in which men might rest,
than to distract their consciences and the peace of the Church
by descending into indeterminable particulars. This deter
mination of mine I will not fail to send your Lordship so soon
as I can make it perfect.
I am glad you have been so welcome to your old acquaint
ance, and yourself so contented. But it is well you have
gotten off from that feasting at York without a fit of the
gout, and you were best look to it this fall of the leaf, for if
it seize upon you, it may chance stay your journey into
Ireland longer than you would. And though you could be
contented with your private life amongst your old acquaint
ance, yet I am glad to find you so resolved to take that
business upon you, which is more honourable for you, and
more useful for the Church and the State. In all which God
bless you, and send you a happy and a safe passage into
Ireland, and all happiness and contentment there, which shall
be the daily prayer of
Your Lordship's
Faithful Friend and humble Servant,
W. CANT.1
Croydon, Aug. 22nd, 1636.
* [Anthony Martin.] * [This is a reply to Wentworth's
h [The Primate, Archbishop Us- Letter of Aug. 17. (See Strafforde
sher.] Letters, vol. ii. pp. 25, 26.)]
T2
LETTERS.
A.D. 1G36. I found means in great haste to write and send you tins
letter-*, and thank your Lordship heartily for never so much
as wishing me good success at Oxon, which is as bad as the
omitting to date a letter.
I am very glad your Lordship's memory is so good that
you were able to read and understand my paper without the
help of your cipher. Had I suspected you had not brought
it with you, I should not have adventured the writing
of it.
But I see you can write as well as read, for you have
adventured that too without your cipher. But are you not
Secretary Coke
mistaken, think you, when you write that 114 declares open
you?
war against 130? I know what you mean, by the sense ; but
you see what it is to be cipher-confident.
the Lord Deputy
I thank you for sending me the judgment of 130, 200, 7
Lord Cottington t o
upon the discourse that will be offered by 110, 15, 73, 49,
me.
18, 102. You know I have little conversation with women,
and of all others, I could never find her meaning in this
particular Court business. And I must now tell you she is
Lord Cottington
mightily deceived. For 23, 29, 110 never came since to 16, 10,
me Coventry, Lord Treasurer, Cottington
102, 200, 5, but upon a day when 104, 105, 110, 24,
12 came all together, dine, and do business, and so part. So the
huge profession and the offer of dependence are both to
and Cottington
come, if they be at all. But 19, 28, 83, 110, 24, 13 will all
be at Oxford, and it may be it will be there. As for the
correspondence, I believe it will be with so much caution as
Lord Cottington me. Laud
that 110 will not trust 102. And 102 assures me he will not,
Lord Cottington
cannot trust 19, 27, 29, 300, 14, 110, 19, 12. And certainly
all this is but cunning, to make other men in Court and
country jealous of me, because of some inward relations
between 102 and me.
As you
may see
by the
Keport
cast out
in Court
Lord Holland.
by 112.
j [This was certainly not his ex
pectation when he began it, as is
clear from several expressions, which
he did not wait to correct, on finding
that he could despatch the letter
earlier.]
LETTERS. 277
I'll tell you a tale. On Saturday, before I set out for A. D. 1636.
John E
Oxford (which was August 20th), Sir 47, 50, 55, 63, 15, 44,
p s lye
66, 71, 59, 79, 43, 28, 200 came all to me all together at
Croydon. You know whose creature one of them is. There
the chief of them told me how glad he was to hear there
myself and Lord Cottington
was such kindness between 300, 102, 84, 110, 29, 19,
and how much it would advance public businesses. Then he
tond me that his house stood in my way to Oxford, and what
honour I might do him, if I would take a dinner there as I
passed by, and that I went within a little mile of 17, 24,
Lord Cottington k
3000, 110, 29, 21, and I was fain to play at fence, but saw
the aim well enough. So far I hope I am safe.
I could not but smile when I read in your paper what a
Lord Holland
fine speech 112, 19, 28 had raised in Court. I did expect
that meeting should produce some such thing. And I verily
Lord Cottington
think that both 110 and 300 came thither of purpose to have
and Windebank
it rise and spread. If 200, 84, 115 had come to them, all
had been certain. I will make myself some good sport with
you
Coke for the inquiry which he made of 130 so soon as I see
time.
Lord Holland your Lordship
If 112 be so full of war against 130, I see Ucalegon's
house and yours join; and I doubt not but you will arm
yourself, hearing such an alarm. But what sordid business
you
is this, to say nothing to 130, 304, 216, 25, 15 when they are
Court
present, and then proclaim 32, 49, 52, 70, 74 war so soon as
their backs are turned ?
Laud
I find by 102 that he is resolved neither to trust nor yet
Sec. Windebank
profess open unkindness to 207, 115, 23 ; but he swears 'tis
not possible for him to carry things with all that fair and free
demeanour that was before usual. I know not what you think
of it, but I cannot blame him.
k [At his house at Hanwortli.]
278 LETTERS.
Sec. Wiudebank.
A.D. 1636. I hear from good hand that 308, 15, 27, 19, 115, 8, 10 are
Laud
all mightily troubled that 207, 102, 24 are resolved not to
his house inthi
come at 56, 46, 71, 18, 55, 49, 54, 72, 43, 23, 48, 64, 89, 48,
72, 71, 24, 8, 47, 50, 53, 69, 63, 80, 44, and say it will con-
h i s
firm the report that is spread of 55, 47, 71 un worthiness
and me
towards 300, 84, 102, 26. But I know not how to remedy
this.
I thank you for tearing and scattering my papers, since you
wanted fire to burn it.
But for all the baling (as you call it) that is made in Court
by ~m against them, I believe the foxes thrive the better
for cursing. They are certainly safe enough.
For you, I know not, but for their seeking of me, 'tis
certainly for no other end than to bring me, or 102, for my
sake, into the mouths of men, and thereby prejudice us.
Sec. "Windebank
And I wonder 200 and 115 should fry such small fish,
considering how both of them protest against it.
LETTER CCCXIX.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[Irish Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I AM now come back to Croydon, from my weary, ex-
penseful business at Oxford11. Yet most glad I am it is
passed without any noted blemish that I yet hear of. At my
return I thank God I found Croydon free from the sickness,
and so it yet continues, but it is crept into two neigh
bouring villages, Beddington and Stretham. How it hath
1 [Contrast this with the frequent m [This blank is in the MS.]
visits paid to him in former days. n [His entertainment of the King
(See ' Diary,' October 2, 1624 ; July and Queen. (See vol. v. pp. 148,
13, and November 28, 1625 ; August seq.]
14, 1629.)]
LETTERS. 279
increased at London in this last fortnight, I am sure you A.D. 1636.
know. And as the danger is grown great and spreading, so
will it be a great and grievous hindrance to the King's
affairs, as they now stand.
I gave your Lordship a short answer0 to the two letters
which I received from you at Oxford, but was glad I could give
you any; though I should have been much more glad could I
have given you such an answer as you desire, and I wish.
Now, my hope is the King will give it himself; and yet when
I see delays, I cannot tell what to think. And all the counsel
I dare venture to give you is, that if the King's answer
(which he said he would give you himself) come not home to
your desires in present, you would arm yourself with patience
and resolution P. And now in the meantime, as ever, I shall
watch all opportunities in all kinds to serve you.
Now, my Lord, I think the time of your return draws on,
and God bless you with good speed, and all other happiness.
But, my Lord, before you go, I must tell you, that since my
return from Oxford I have read over all the papers that con
cern the unhappy multiplied differences between the Visitors
and the Provost, in which I see a great deal that I am sorry
to see. And the heat so great, as that I see passion fallen
into a fever. I will not argue how orderly this business
came before the Lords Justices at the Council-table. But
since His there, and thence referred to your Lordship, unless
it be by you or them formally and orderly transmitted to me,
I shall not presume to take it out of a Lord Deputy's hands,
though I do conceive the rights of my place as Chancellor
have been and are some ways invaded, both by the Visitors
and the Fellows. Therefore I do humbly iritreat you so soon
as you come into Ireland, either to settle this business by
your own wisdom, or if you will cast it upon me, after it
hath been so soiled by some inferior partial hands there,
then I desire it may be sent unto me by an order of that
Honourable Board, that so I may be sure I shall not offend
them in meddling with that which is once brought before
them ; nor interpose my right as Chancellor against that
which may but seem to be the King's, his Lords Justices and
Council having taken cognisance of it.
0 [See vol. vi. p. 465.] P [Sec vo1. vi. p. 466, note z.]
280 LETTERS.
A.D. IGoG. Among other papers which your Lordship sent me concern
ing these differences, I diligently perused the Lord Justice
Wandesford's letters of July 23d, written to your Lordship, by
which I find myself in the same case that your Lordship was
in the late Parliament, about the altering and ordering of a
Canon there. You then thought the faction was so angry, that
you might [hear] of it in a Parliament here. And I verily
think some on that side have an aim at me, arid a longing (if
a Parliament come) to furnish somewhat from thence against
me. Be it so. In the meantime I have deserved better from
that Church and them. And the reading of the whole course
of this business hath opened mine eyes abundantly.
My Lord, here's a grievous and a violent business, and how
to come off without disgracing the Visitors or the Provost, is
not easy. The fact is manifest, and the proceeding; but there
are other motives that have carried this business higher than
a pheasant's wingi. Whom I find here[in a] very bold
the Primate
young man (to say no more). And I am informed 133,
the Provost of Dublin.
29, 14, take three exceptions against 15, 25, 17, 167, 10.
One is the making of the new Statutes, and altering the
Visitors.
And for this you know your Lordship was the man that
put me to that pains, else I had never known their old
Statutes were too weak for government. The other is the
reverence which the Provost (they say) performs to God at
his entrance into God's house. This they call idolatry.
I cannot call it so. But I remember well the Canon for
bowing at the name of Jesus could not pass in their late
Convocation, and therefore 'tis no marvel if other reverence
seem idololatrical. The third is, that the Provost inclines to
Arminianismr. And for that I never heard him declare him
self. He was commended to me by a very good hand, for a
sober man and a good governor, and that was all the know
ledge I had of him, or acquaintance with him, when. I recom
mended him to that place. And if he have not in all things
i [A pun on Pheasant, one of the r [The preferring of Chappell was
parties concerned. See vol. vi. p. 464, one of the charges brought against
note *.] Laud. See vol. iv. pp. 293, 299.]
LETTERS. 281
obeyed his Majesty's declaration concerning these points in A.D. 1636.
difference, let him be punished, on God's name, as a man that
attempts to break the peace of the Church. And neither he
nor his Arminianism (if any he have) shall have any pro
tection from me. And your Lordship best knows what I
have often said to you concerning those unhappy differences
sprung up in the Church.
But whatever the intentions be, I see there is that, in fact,
which will not be easily ordered but by a strong hand. And
am heartily sorry this should fall out in your Lordship's
absence. I verily think your presence would have prevented
a great deal of the distemper. But your coining over was
known, and I verily think the business laid ready for your
absence.
I will trouble your Lordship no further at present, only
I pray God these may come safely with that speed to your
hands, that I may receive some short answer from you in the
general, before you go hence. On Sunday next (God willing)
I will acquaint the King with the business, and receive such
directions as he shall think fit for your Lordship or myself to
follow, which either of us happen to end the cause. But if it
must be done by me, I will expect a transmission of it from
the Lords or your Lordship thence ; and I will stay till I can
have my counsel in the Civil and Canon laws about me.
I s e e the Primate
I will say no more, but 46, 71, 44, 43, 15, 133, 200, 27,
are all content 74, 50, 72, 40, 32, 69, 48, 36, 47, 33, 43, 18,
honest men hum
56, 51, 63, 45, 91, 29, 61, 44, 64, 23, for their 56, 54, 62,
or frend r
49, 70, 13, and to lose any 37, 69, 43, 64s, 34, 25, to be 70,
evengd enemy
45, 52, 43, 64, 38, 35, 27, upon, not an 44, 63, 45, 62, 80,
10, 30, 52, 73, 4, 28, 15, 4\, 64, 15, 50, 6*6, 46, 64, 48, 51,
n yoursaint
63, 22. Is this 79, 49, 53, 70, 71, 42, 47, 63, 74?
Well, I pray God some have not a hand in this that you
a s u c c
little suspect ; for I hear there is 42, 19, 71, 54, 33, 32
8 [In MS. ' 6V an evident error.]
282 LETTERS.
A.D. 1G36. 44, 72, 7S1, 49, 70, 7, 18, 24, 34, 43, 71, 48 \ 39, 63, 43, 35,
t o the Provost
26, 15, 73, 50, 14, 167, 200, 15.
So in great haste and greater weariness both of mind and
body, I leave you to God's blessed protection, and rest
Your Lordship's faithful humble Servant.
Croydon, Sept. 8, 1636.
Endorsed :
* The Copye of mye Letters sent to
raye Lord Deputye about the
Visitors of the Colledge and ye
Prouost'.
LETTER CCCXX.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTI1.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I WRIT to you the other day all about the untoward
differences between the Primate and the Provost ; for the
truth is, the other Visitors do but come in to serve his turn.
And the more I think of that business, the more do I see
the passionate heat of the Visitors without all bounds of law
or reason.
That letter I hope is come to your hands, and I presume,
at your return into Ireland, you will either end the business,
or transmit it formally to me, that (though it concern me
much) I may not seem to snatch it out of your Lordship's
hands and that council's.
I have since given the King a touch of all, both the business
itself and the preterition of me in my place as Chancellor,
and the King likes it well that it should fairly be remitted to
me from that Board, if it so seem good to your Lordship.
This letter I had no sooner sent, but the next day Mr.
Raylton brings me your packet of September the 5th, con
cerning my Lord of St. Alban'su and the business of Galway.
I presently read over all you sent, and took your letter to
[In MS. ' 51 ' by mistake.] Coke's letter to Wentworth ; Went-
u [Ulick dc Burgh. This passage worth's to the King; and Lord St.
refers to the settlement of the King's Alban's to Wentworth. (Strafforde
rights in the county of Galway. See Letters, vol. ii. pp. 31, 33, 35, 36.)]
LETTEKS. 283
myself to Court with me, with a resolution to take it to heart A. D. 1636.
(as you desire), aiid to move his Majesty accordingly.
But when I came there, calling to mind the small overture
which Mr. Secretary Coke gave me at Oxford of some in-
tendments of the Lord of St. Alban's, I thought 'twas fit to
speak with him before I said anything to the King, and
I did so.
But Secretary Coke seemed a little bit troubled at the
letters you sent him, being utterly to seek what to do, or how
to move the King. For he protested he knew nothing of my
Lord of St. Alban's moving anything to the King, and that
his Majesty had said nothing to him about it, and that St.
Alban's came and asked his counsel, and that thereupon he
advised him to write to your Lordship, which begat your
ansAver.
Notwithstanding this, I thought it fit to speak with the
King myself, and express my own sense of the business with
out taking any notice of your Lordship's letter, otherways
than as the King should be pleased to give me occasion. So
Mr. Secretary and I parted for that time.
On Sunday, at after dinner, I spake with his Majesty, and
before he would suffer me to begin my particulars, he told
me he had two things to say to me first. The one was, that,
according to his promise at Oxford, he had written to you,
and given you a full answer to your letters, but descended
not to any particulars. The other was, that my Lord of St.
Alban's had moved him about them of Galway, in which thus
much his Majesty expressed, — First, that my Lord of St. Al
ban's moved him first at Beverv ; but there his motion was
conditional, and the King told him he saw no great warrant
he had to make himself so sure of the Galway men. They
had offered him a great affront already, and they might be
as like to leave the Earl when he had engaged for them. And
therefore bade him take heed what to venture upon. To
these the Earl replied, — he humbly desired his Majesty would
think further of it, and give him leave to do so.
Here the business rested till they came to Tarn worth.
There the Earl moved again. Made his suit now absolute,
v [Belvoir Castle, the scat of the Duke of Rutland.]
284 LETTERS.
A. D. 1636. and showed his powers (the letter of attorney, I think) to
the King; that they desired they might have his Majesty's
favour, in the same way with the other three counties, and
they submitted all to him. To this his Majesty told me he
replied thus : That this was somewhat ; but yet he could not
tell how fit it might be for him to take that of courtesy
which was his due, which he would think on. And howso
ever, they of the jury which had so opposed the justness of
his title must come to a public acknowledgment. The Earl
replied, they were willing to do anything that might not make
them confess themselves knaves. The King answered, — that
needed not neither. They might confess themselves mistaken
in their evidence, or otherwise, without confessing themselves
to be knaves.
The Progress proceeded to Woodstock. There the Earl
moved the King the third time, and at the end of his motion
he humbly besought the King that he might write fairly to
your Lordship, and desire your favour in the business.
Here, says the King, the business was where I would have
it. And the King further told the Earl, that he was willing
he should write, with all his heart, to you ; but added, that if
you should be brought by any entreaty to yield further than
he had formerly expressed, he would not give way to it, hold
ing it necessary that the jury should be made to know them
selves, and be differenced from others. And thus much his
Majesty bid me write unto you.
When the King had done, I told him you had, by some
means or other, but I thought directly by a letter from the
Earl of St. Alban's himself, got notice of motion to bring the
Galway men fairly off after so much wrong done to his own
business, and the contempt against his Deputy and the Go
vernment ; and I humbly besought him to keep close to his
former resolutions of putting a difference between the jury
men (who had been sentenced in the Castle Chamber), and
the rest of Galway ; and yet to keep a difference, too, between
the best of Galway and them of the other three counties.
I further added, that if he did not so, and hold close to it,
he would discourage you, and quite cut off all hope of future
plantations. Then, lest I might mistake anything, or not
come home, I craved leave to read one passage of your letter,
LETTERS. 285
which I did, and his Majesty apprehended it very well, and A.D. 1636.
replied it was now in your hands to give him what answer
you thought fittest for that government and the business.
After this, I sought out Secretary Coke, and told him I had
moved the King, and discovered that my Lord of St. Alban's
had moved his Majesty, and ergo advised him to speak with
the King at his best leisure so soon as he came to Bagshot,
and press on in the way I had gone, yet without taking notice
of me at all.
This he promised to do ; and you shall hear from himself
what passes. I have been more vigilant and pressing in this
business, because I see my master's business will suffer much
if it go any other way. And yet I saw twice this time at
Lord Holland and the E. o f S. Alb
Oatlands, 500, 112, 84, 17, 85, 43, 50, 36, 71, 15, 40, 59, 30,
a n s Lord Holland
41, 64, 72 come in together. And I assure myself 112, 28,
you
16 will do all they can to honour 130 and 300, the quite
contrary way.
I can send no good news. The sickness increases so as
that we are like to have no Michaelmas Term.
Sec. Windebank
And on Sunday last at Oatlands, 17, 115, 24 showed me
Rome
letters which came from 70, 51, 61, 43, 19, in which is men
tioned that an Irishman, governor of some College in France
that
(I have forgotten the name), hath advertised thither 87, 10,
apersecution is
42, 65, 45, 70, 71, 44, 32, 54, 73, 46, 49, 63, 25,47, 72, 19,
begun in Ireland.
31, 44, 39, 52, 63, 18, 48, 64, 170. Instances given. Be
cause 69, 43, 38, 53, 60, 41, 70, 72 are not suffered to be
together in one house. Officers set to lay hold on them upon
all occasions ; and all the nobility and gentry of Connaught
(mark that, and the fountain whence it springs) are com
mitted to prison.
I will, God willing, the next opportunity I have to be with
the King, represent what good use is made of this his
business. you
And in the meantime I hope 300, 15, 20, 19, 130, 12 will
286 LETTERS.
A. D. 1636. look to themselves when they see how 162 bandy, and what
friends they make.
Well ! good-night to you. I am come weary from Court.
So 'tis time to rest for
Your Lordship's faithful poor Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Croydon, 12 Sept. 1636.
Kecd. 19th.
LETTER CCCXXI.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
Sal. in Chris to.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE two of your letters to answer ; and to the first, of
Sept. 10th, I have nothing to say to your Calvin's Institu
tions. But the truth is, Dr. Grayx was with me, and my Lord
of Durham y writ to me by him, and assured me that if he
were preferred in Ireland he would give the benefice to an
honest discreet man in those parts, whom I recommended to
his service. And I should be glad to see the poor man
so well settled. And yet, for all that, so unwilling am I to
take too much of a free horse (for that's the proverb ; I hope
you know it) , that I would be drawn to write no more than I
did unto you. And I do not now well remember whether
that letter were put into Dr. Gray's hand to deliver to you.
And I am sure I told you of it at Hampton Court. By this
letter I understand your Lordship received mine from my
Lord of Newcastle, and which I am glad of ; but much more
you London w
to hear that 19, 130, 14 are resolved to take 128 in the 76,
aye to Dublin
40, 79, 44, 15, 73, 50, 171, 28 ; for I have something to say,
as well as they have something to show.
Your second letter, of Sept. 14, is all concerning the
Visitors and the Provost ; and I thank your Lordship heartily
x [See above, p. 266.] y [Thomas Morton.]
LETTERS. 287
for giving me your judgment so clearly about it, and that the A.D. 1630.
carriage of the Provost hath gained such a testimony from,
you. I had before given his Majesty a brief account of the
business, and he declared himself in approbation of the way
I mean to go. But your letter came so pat the next week
after this, that I read over your letter to the King, that
he might see your Lordship's judgment concurred with me.
I have drawn out a brief of the whole cause in writing, and
got my Lord Treasurer z to read it over. His Lordship says
plainly (if this narration be true, as it is by all the papers
I have received) it is the weakest and the most shameful
business that ever he saw of that kind. And I told the
King his Lordship's opinion of it also.
I hope to have all in a very good readiness for 29, 16, 200,
your Lordship.
against the coming of 17 and 130. And as good friends as
Dublin College
they are to 166, they shall not dislike it. Therefore, I will
trouble you with no more of it now. But, with hearty thanks
for all your Lordship's kind and noble expressions in your
letter, make an end of this, that you may see I can sometimes
be brief as well as you. And yet, as long as I live, I shall ever
be ready faithfully to return your love and continue
Your Lordship's most humble Servant,
W. CANT.
Croydon, 26 Sept. 1636.
Kec. 1 Oct.
the Provost
I am abundantly satisfied that 167, 15, 23 are all three
40, 69, 61, 46, 64, 48, 41, 63, 71 and what you will else, and
the Primate
shall suffer what you would not, if 24, 133, and the other
the Provost
shrews may have their will, especially if 167, have so
the art
far forgot herself as to be earnest to have 85, 40, 70, 73,
i c 1 e s Ireland suppres se
47, 32, 59, 43, 71 of 170, 72, 54, 66, 65, 69, 44, 72, 71, 45,
d England rece aved
34 % and those of 127, 15, 70, 43, 33, 44, 40, 54, 45, 34. Come,
z [William Juxon, Bishop of London.]
a [In MS. ' 30/ by an evident mistake.]
288 LETTERS.
A. D. 1630. say no more, she shall be guilty of whatsoever you will
have her.
Nevertheless, I thank you heartily for the character you
the Primate.
have given of that lady 133. And truly it agrees as right
with that opinion which 102 ever had of her Ladyship as
is possible, with this, that varium et mutabile semper fcemina.
And so 'tis in her, saving those points to which she is married.
As for yourself, I wonder how you have got so much know
ledge, that the honestest women are not always the quietest
wives : for I hope you have not learnt it by experience,
though you have had more wives than them.
Laud your Lordship
I am told by 102, and I verily believe it, that 130, 24, 17,
him.
12 shall do very well to follow the counsel given by 102.
For though he protests to me he knows nothing amiss in
the King your Lordship
the opinion of 100 and 29 concerning 300 and 130, yet he
the King
observes that in cases of this nature 100, 23, 14, 7, 28 loves
extremely to have such things, especially once moved, to 13,
Come frome him self
33, 51, 61, 44, 23, 36, 69, 49, 62, 43, 95, 71, 45, 59, 37. And
Laud
I will entreat 102 by all the interest I have in him to attend
your Lordship's passing into Ireland either at West Chester,
or any other convenient place, please you to name it.
;Tis yet thought the King will to Royston upon the 10th
of October, and not be back till Allhallowtide. The Queen
stays at Oatlands, if God continue health there; but this
cannot concern you much to know, because you have no
purpose to look this way before your return into Ireland.
Lord Holland i s m
For the confident report that 112, 47,72 any whit 62,
50, 70, 4*3, 23, 66, 49, 76, 44, 69, 37, 54, 59, 10 than you
left her when you went from hence, is more than I see or have
any reason to believe. And I am as confident as that report
you f e a
can be that 19, 27, 15, 7, 10, 130, 24 need not 36, 43, 40,
r e Lord Holland
69, 44, 18, 112 in anything, yet your rule and resolution are
both good, and confidence in a Court is many times necessary.
LETTERS. 289
I will expect the excellent huug beef you have provided for A.D. 1630.
me, and if it prove as excellent as you brag for it, I shall be
sorry your journey lies not by Croydon into Ireland, that
you
yourself might taste it. But wot you what ? If 130 go by
into Ireland London
the South 46, 63, 73, 49, 170, it cannot be safe at 128, 29,
a s the sicknes is
42, 71, 86, 72, 48, 32, 57, 64, 43, 71, 25, 47, 72 now, ergo
you
130 shall do well to think of some other place to stay in.
And why not 33, 70, 51, 48, 34, 43, 63 ?
LETTER CCCXXII.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,
I HAVE received two letters from you ; one concerning
the two younger brothers of the Landgrave of Hesse, but
before they came at me their governors had altered the pur
pose of their continuance for a time in Oxford, and were
resolved for France. I was ready to ride forth when they
came to me ; yet I made as much stay as I could, and did
what they desired of me, and my letters they had towards
Oxford, which they meant to see. In which I took order
they should be used with all respects due unto them b.
Your Majesty's other letter concerns the Landgrave him
self. To whom upon all occasions I have given testimony,
and would be as ready to give assistance, were I able. And
his princely carriage and love expressed in this present
cause merits all that may fairly be done.
But, Madam, whereas your Majesty writes, that this noble
Prince will leave his army to the King's disposing, and that
you hope his Majesty will accept of his offer, and seek to
b [These two princes, Christian and c [The Landgrave, who was one of
Ernest of Hesse, were created M. A. the Queen's staunchest supporters,
Oct. 14. (Wood, F. 0. i. 495.)] died shortly after this.]
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP.
290 LETTERS.
A.D. 1636. recover that by force, which he cannot get by treaty ; I shall,
as I have ever done, deal clearly with your Majesty, and tell
you what the King upon maturest counsel can do, both in
this particular and upon the whole matter, for the recovery of
the Palatinate, at least for the present.
And first, Madam, there are letters come from the Land
grave of Hesse, and they are very fair. But the King having
received an unworthy answer from the Emperor, is upon
a treaty with France. And till he receive answer from thence
he cannot tell how to enter upon a treaty with the Land
grave. And, howsoever, his Majesty being resolved to make
himself strong at sea (which is a thing of great expense to the
Crown, beside that which comes from the subject), he cannot
possibly charge himself with a land army so far off. And he
cannot accept of the offer made of the Landgrave's army.
[Besides, his Majesty can hold it neither fit nor safe for
him, were he able to arm at land as well as at sea, to maintain
an army consisting all of strangers, where few or none of his
own subjects have, or can have place d.] And, therefore, for
the present, the King resolves only to go on with his treaty
with France if they offer him reason, and to make himself
strong at sea; and so expect what opportunity these two
may give for effecting more than yet appears. But to
maintain a land army in Germany, and pursue the cause
that way, his Majesty, upon most serious consideration of
his estate, finds neither fit nor feasible for him at the
present.
For the Prince your son, his Majesty is resolved to strain
himself (and considering his sea affairs arid other necessities
which lie upon him, a strain it is), and will allow his High
ness a thousand pound e a month, to be husbanded as shall
seem best to your Majesty and him. This the King con
ceives will maintain him like a prince, and with care and
providence may increase, till some better way be found
than seems yet open ; and till it shall please God to better
his Majesty's own estate ; and in the meantime whensoever
you shall please to send for the Prince your son, and put him
d [This passage in brackets is crossed sand.' But from the letter of Feb. 28,
out by Laud.] 163£, it appears that this was the
e [It seemed doubtful in the MS. sum.]
whether this was to be read ' a thou-
LETTERS. 291
into such a way as to your Majesty and his Highness shall A.D. 1G3G.
seem fittest, the King will see this allowance duly paid unto
him.
Madam, I fear by the tenor of your letter to me, that this
resolution is not like to please you much ; but I must crave
leave to tell you, that upon full consideration the Lords
are all of opinion (though all of them are hearty to serve
your Majesty as far as they can), that as things now stand it
is not safe, nor indeed possible for his Majesty to do more at
present or to go other way. I humbly crave pardon for this
boldness, and shall, with your leave, ever rest
Your Majesty' s
Most humble Servant to be commanded,
W. CANT.
Croyden, Octob. 13, 1636.
Endorsed :
' The Copye of mye Leters to ye Q.
of Bohe. about the Lansgrave of
Hess.
' And the King's resolution concera-
inge the P. Palatine.'
LETTER CCCXXIII.
TO JAMES TJSSIIER, ARCHBISHOP OE ARMAGH.
[Irish Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christ o.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
A LITTLE before my Lord Deputy his coming into these
parts, there was an information given to the King, that my
Lordships, the Bishops of Ireland, when they came to the
Church to which my Lord Deputy goes, did usually resort
thither in their rochets and their bishop's attire, and did also
preach in the same form, whensoever any of them did come to
perform that duty there. But when they went to any other
church in Dublin or elsewhere, yea, even in their own
cathedrals, or did preach in any of them, they were both
u2
292 LETTERS.
A. D. 1636. present at prayers and did preach without their episcopal
habit, as if they were ashamed of their calling. His Majesty
was very ill satisfied with this ; but, because the Lord Deputy
was presently then to come over, the King commanded me
to put him in mind of it, when he was come, that so from his
Lordship he might learn the truth of this information. This
was accordingly done, and my Lord's answer to the King
was to this effect: That the information for so much as
belonged to Dublin was certainly true, and that he had great
reason to think that they did neglect their form in their own
cathedrals and other places abroad as well as they did there;
but that he was not able to express that to his Majesty upon
his own knowledge.
His Majesty hereupon resolved to have it remedied ; and
spake earnestly to the Lord Deputy concerning it. Upon
this occasion I adventured to tell his Majesty that I was very
confident that this slip in their duty had been of very long
continuance, and so by custom now not thought to be any
error. And that I durst be bold upon it, your Grace would
never have suffered it to take beginning in your time ; but
that you found it an overgrown malady, which must have
some time for the cure of it. The King replied, he was most
confident of you, and of your care and vigilancy for the well-
governing of that Church under him ; and that, therefore,
he would not have my Lord Deputy put his hand to the
business, but would wholly leave it to your Grace to have
reformation of this neglect made by Church power, and
in a canonical way. And hath, therefore, commanded me,
in his name, to require your Grace to acquaint all the Arch
bishops with it, that they may send to all the Bishops in their
several provinces, and give them charge as they will answer
it at their further peril, that both in their own cathedrals
and in all other churches (the chapels in their own private
families excepted) no one of them presume to be at public
prayers, or to preach, but in his episcopal form and habit.
And that this charge be presently given, with as much con
venient speed as may be. And further, that when this is done
your Grace give me notice, that so I may be able to certify the
King of their obedience and conformity. And while I use the
word conformity, I pray your Grace to understand, that his
LETTERS, 293
Majesty's meaning is not conformity to or with the Church of A.D. 1636.
England, but with the whole Catholic Church of Christ, which
ever since her times of peace and settlement (if not before
also) hath distinguished the habit of a bishop from an inferior
priest. My Lord, I am confident you will give his Majesty
good content both in this and all things else, so I bid your
Lordship heartily farewell, and rest
Your Grace's very loving Friend and Brother.
Croydon, November 5, 1636.
Upon this occasion his Majesty commanded me also to
require your Grace to take order, that all Priests and Minis
ters throughout that kingdom read public prayers and ad-
minister the Sacraments duly in their surplices.
Endorsed :
' The Copye of my Letters to my
Lord Primate of Armagh, about the
Bishops using their formalities, &c.'
LETTER CCCXXIV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I RECEIVED your Lordship's letters on Saturday, at
Windsor, and I am glad William Raylton saves us the
trouble of a cipher. But I find by him you left not Windsor
till Tuesday morning, and you know I told you it would be
so. I like his Majesty's swearing of my Lord of Northum
berland Councillor, as well as your Lordship. And I did
ever think it would be so, if my Lord in his employment f
1 [In the command of the fleet Dutch. The King had several medals
against the Dutch fishing vessels, struck to commemorate his triumph.
The Dutch agreed to pay £30,000 for See D'Israeli's Charles I. (chapter on
permission to fish during the re- the Sovereignty of the Sea) ; who also
mainder of the summer. The arma- states, as illustrating still further the
ment under his command was the interest taken by the King in this
largest force that had ever been fitted matter, that the great ship built at
out by England. It was to maintain this time, was not 'the Sovereign,'
the King's right to the sovereignty of as Garrard states (Strafforde Letters,
the narrow seas, the great point under vol. ii. p. 116), but the 'Sovereign of
dispute between the English and the the Seas.']
294 LETTERS.
A.D. 1G3G. gave content, as he hath done abundantly. And I am glad
your Lordship hath such interest in him, for that will be
some confirmation to me that he cannot overvalue 17, 29, 8,
Lord Holland.
12, 112, 15. As for myself, you know what way I go, and if
without going out of that I may be able to serve his Lord
ship, no man shall be more willing. And I am very glad to
hear from you that his Lordship's opinion of me is such as
you express. But you know, my Lord, all these great men
have great aims for themselves which I cannot always comply
with, and yet, my Lord, if I have got him, I hope I shall be
able to keep him.
Lord Cottington
But you say 110, 23 and 24, told you some strange
things ; and first, that all the Grooms, &c. have an edge at
Lord Holland
19, 112, 10, 18, 300. Be it so, why then she will be content
to take eggs for her money, at the same rate they were wont
to go to Carlisle g.
For the second, the party that hath been so long prisoner
is so overjoyed with his own liberty that he can shut up
nothing ; for the thing was common last week in Court, and
I that hearken little after news have heard it myself from four
several hands, whereupon I conclude, the party is either not
wise or not honest ; let him take his choice. For the thing
is so open, that if there be any service in it, it will be
destroyed. Besides, when I lay circumstances together which
Yet since I have been told me, I believe nothing will h that great lady,
hear again Lord Holland
I bSleve H in her last dressing, I mean 15, 24, 112, 27, 14.
not- For the third, which concerns the Queen's Court, I know
nothing of it, and therefore you can look for no judgment
upon it; yet I would have you remember who told you,
Lord Holland
that 112 and 300 could do all there, and that the other had
of late lost ground. How hangs that and this together, that
the Queen Lord Holland
now 500, 29, 101, should take it ill either of 300 or 112?
To the next passage, I can say nothing, but that a man
8 [This refers to Lord Holland Groom of the Stole.]
having succeeded Lord Carlisle as h [This omission occurs in MS.]
LETTERS. 295
that eats moderately may go to stool as well after sixteen A.D. 1636,
dishes as after forty. Indeed I think this lady takes herself
to be greater than she is. And that is a fault which some
ladies are subject to ; but methinks you in your wisdom
should pardon that. What ! if a lady thinks she is more
beloved than indeed she is, or deserves to be, what is that to
you ? All is fair to yourself, you see, and is not that enough ?
Have you not a letter? Is it not enough you have it under
her hand? Yea, but you say her expressions are extreme
unequal to you. Well ! what then ? Have you lived so long,
and do you now expect equal and even carriage from a
woman, and in her passion ? I hope you writ not this in
earnest. But if you did, the duplicates and your own letters
are all in the fire, and thither I hope you will throw these,
for all this is but a bye-paper. Yet I shall be glad to hear
you have received it, and burnt it too.
I will thank the Vice- Chancellor i for your entertainment ;
and I dare say it was hearty, and he is a kind, discreet man.
What a pity it is Sir Anthony Vandyke's hand was not to
the curious picture you so much admire ! But 'tis no matter,
for had it been valued at so high a rate, it had neither been
mine nor theirs.
My building J, and my entertainment k, have quite spent
me ; yet I cannot repent me of either.
And the less because you approve the first, and I cannot
grudge the second to him that under God made me able to
do both. And since you are so ingenuous for Oxford, I will
both wish Cambridge as much prosperity as yourself do, and
use our victory (if we have gotten any) modestly r, according
to the grave advice you give me out of Ovid. And take
order that the triumph which Saint John's set out in the great
fleet this last summer, may attend to waft you over from
1 [Richard Baylie, President of St. pense. At the end it is thus summed
John's.] up : ' The whole chardge of the enter-
J [At St. John's College. Many papers taynment cometh to, ut patet£226I
relating to this subject are preserved Is. 7d. A. T.' To which is added in
in S. P. 0., particularly receipts for Laud's hand, ' Besyd the Provisions
money during the progress of the which wear sent me in': of which a
work.] list is given in page 1. The initials
k [There is preserved in S. P. 0., A. T. are those of Adam Torlesse, the
Domestic Correspondence, August 29, Archbishop's faithful steward, of whom
1636, a detailed account of the ex- see a notice in vol. iii. p. 449.]
296 LETTERS.
A.D. 1G36. Pen-man-mawer. Marry then, you must take order she be
not sent to sea again in haste, for I assure you she wants
ballast, and many other necessaries.
I hear you have found out Dr. Wentworth1, at Oxford, and
for name's sake, given him the Deanery of Armagh. He is, if
I mistake not, old Peter Wentworth' s grandchild, that Queen
Elizabeth sent out of the Lower House to the Tower m. The
man hath good parts in him. This summer I heard him
preach well to the King, at Woodstock. If he can master
his learning it will never be the worse for him. I believe the
Primate will like him well. But, my Lord, I hope you will
hold to our old rule — no divided preferments; either all there
or all here, as well for him as for others. And now this puts
me in mind, I think you have not yet settled Mr. Wandes-
ford's business wholly on that side. But I am confident you
will, and I wish him so well for your sake, as that I shall
desire no haste to his prejudice.
I received a letter, before your Lordship's last being with
me at Croydon, from the Earl of Leicester. The main
business in it was for his Secretary to be Dean of Armagh.
The man himself brought me the letter. He told me he was
a Deacon, and that my Lord of Lincoln ordained him. Bat
I saw nothing in him or about him like a man in Orders.
Young he was, and in long hair, his clothes all in the fashion,
and to my eye most unfit every way to be a prime Dean in
that kingdom. My answer was accordingly, that his Lord
ship might expect kindness from me, but it must be such
as I might perform with my own honour. But I had spoken
and written so much to your Lordship against putting young
men into eminent places in the Church, that I could not now
forget it, at all times after that I was with you.
And now let me tell you this, and I have done for this
1 [He is spoken of by Wood as the 1598, a book entituled 'An Exhorta"
son of a Northamptonshire Esquire, tion to Queen Elizabeth, and Dis-
On the inscription on his tomb in course of the true and lawful Succes-
Bath Abbey Church, he is termed sor.' (See Wood, ibid.) Earlier than
' Anglise prseconum primus.' (Wood, that, in 1572, he had been committed
F.O. i. 471.) This bears out what Laud to prison for a violent speech against
says of his ability in preaching.] the Queen. See Strype's Annals, vol.
m [See this case mentioned, vol. vi. ii. part i. p. 186. He is frequently
p. 231. Wentworth's imprisonment mentioned in Strype as an extreme
took place in 1593. He published, in Puritan.]
LETTERS. 297
the E. of
time. There came letters lately from 85, 44, 17, 49, 37, 13, A. D. 1636.
L e c e st e r and in m y e
60 n, 43, 32, 45, 91, 44, 69, 29, 84, 46, 64, 8, 62, 79, 43, 24,
judgment he wrig
47, 54, 34, 39, 61, 43, 63, 74, 27, 56, 45, 21, 75, 70, 48, 38,
55, 73, 71, 19, 62, 50, 69, 44, 12, 60, 46, 57, 45, 17, 40, 800,
counselour of Fr
33, 51, 53, 64, 72, 43, 59, 50, 52, [70,] 10, 49, 37, 14, 36, 70,
ancethenan embassa
41, 64, 32, 45, 86, 63, 41, 64, 23, 44, 61, 30, 42, 72, 71, 40,
dor of England.
35, 51, 70, 16, 49, 37, 19, 300, 10, 127. So I am to seek,
and I pray God somebody else be not.
Before I came to Windsor I got an opportunity with his
Majesty, and according to your desires, I moved him to add
my Lord of Northumberland to the Committee of the
Admiralty, but I could not prevail, yet I shall take a time to
attempt it again ; for his Majesty did not deny it, but took
time to think upon it. So I would you were now at an end
of your dirty journey, and safe on the other side, while I
shall assuredly rest here
Your Lordship's faithful Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Croydon, 15th Nov. 1636.
Rec. 19.
LETTER CCCXXV.
TO THE COUNTESS OF LEICESTER0.
[Collins's Sydney Letters and Memorials, vol. ii. p. 446. J
MADAM,
I AM sorry that my Lord your husband should be put
to any exigents in France, for want of such moneys as he
should receive from hence. I am sure his Majesty hath been
often moved concerning it, and hath delivered himself as
graciously. And I am very confident the Lord Treasurer p
is willing to do all he can, but the truth is, moneys are very
short. Your Honour knows, I have now nothing to do with
n [In MS. erroneously ' 50.'] ° [See vol. vi. p. 463.] P [William Juxon.]
298 LETTERS.
A. D. 1636. the revenue, neither do I think my speech can move any
more than theirs which have already been very careful of my
Lord's occasions in the place where he now is. Yet, that
your Honour may see I shall not be wanting to give all the
assistance I can, that money may be sent, I will adventure
to move both his Majesty and the Lord Treasurer for a
speedy supply. And I shall do this as carefully as I can,
and as much for your letter, as if you had put yourself upon
such a troublesome journey, which God forbid you should
have done, in such unseasonable weather. The worst is,
Madam, my occasions will not let me see the King (for aught
I yet know) till the end of the next week ; but the first
opportunity I have, I will not lose, that you may see my
willingness, whatever become of my ability, to serve you.
Your Honour's humble Servant,
W. CANT.
Croydon, Nov. 18, 1636.
LETTER CCCXXVI.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliain.]
Salutem in Christ o.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
SINCE your Lordship's late departure hence, there is a
great complaint come to his Majesty against the Lord Arch
bishop of Cashells q, who (as his Majesty is informed) hath
upon his own authority commanded a fast once a week, for
eight weeks together, throughout his province. This his
Majesty takes extremely ill, the power only belonging to
himself, and not to any Bishop whatsoever.
And therefore his Majesty being resolved to reduce that
kingdom to order in all things, doth hereby require your
Lordship to call that Archbishop before you, and to examine
the whole business. And if you find the Archbishop free of
this accusation, that then you give present notice of it to me,
fi [Archibald Hamilton.]
LETTERS. 299
that this impression made in his Majesty, against the said A. D. 1636.
Archbishop, may be taken off. But if your Lordship find
him guilty, then you are to proceed against him by public
admonition at the least ; that so both himself and others of
his place and condition, may have a warning not to meddle
with the King's prerogative without his leave. And this
your Lordship may not fail to do.
There is likewise another complaint come, that there is a
general neglect of the keeping of all holydays in that king
dom, which his Majesty utterly dislikes, and will have
reformed. And therefore requires your Lordship to speak
privately with my Lord Primate about it. And if you find
that the abuse is so great and common as is informed, that
then order be given either by your Lordship or my Lord
Primate, as you shall find fittest, to every Archbishop in the
kingdom, that they give present notice to every Bishop in
their several provinces, and the Bishops to every parish in
their dioceses, with charge that all holydays be kept accord
ing to the laws ecclesiastical, and that they see all wilful
offenders punished.
If the Archbishop of Cashells hath suspended any for not
keeping and observing his fasts, your Lordship is to require
him presently to take off the suspension ; and if he hath put
any man that wray to charges, or ' any other in that regard,
your Lordship is hereby required to cause the Archbishop to
make them repayments and satisfaction.
I am heartily sorry these complaints came not while your
Lordship was here, for then, perhaps, I should have said
something more to you concerning the demeanour and per
son of this man, than I am willing to write. So wishing your
Lordship all health and happiness in your government, I leave
you to God's blessed protection, and rest
Your Lordship's
Very loving poor Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Croydon, 20th Nov. 1636.
Ilecd. 29th.
300 LETTERS.
A.D. 1636.
LETTER CCCXXVIL
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
YOUR letters of November 20th from Holy well I received
at the Court at Windsor, December 3rd. I am this day come
safe, I thank God, to my own home, but was almost frozen
by the way.
If this frost continue I hope it will kill the infection at the
root, God's blessing going with it.
My Lord of Northumberland goes on with his complaints
about the Navy, and some of them are very material. I still
think that upon the whole matter they will effect some good.
Though, I must tell you plainly, some faults appear where
the remedy is utterly to seek. And I shall believe you that
Lord Holland
his Lordship 15, 29, 18, 300 hath no opinion of 112, though
all men are not of your opinion in particular.
That which you formerly writ concerning 19, 17 and
Lord Holland
500, 112 will come to nothing certainly. But that which
the Bedchamber and
concerns 85, 4, 30, 44, 34, 33, 55, 40, 61, 31, 43, 70, 84
Lord Holland Coventry, Lord Treasurer,
112, 27 is referred to a Committee of 104, 105,
Laud, and L. PrivyeSeale*
102, 83, 60, 16, 65, 69, 46, 54, 79, 45, 71, 44, 41, 59, 43,
Coke, and Windebank.
with 114, 84, 115. But what will be referred I do not
know, for I hear the Commissioners have not yet met.
I thank your Lordship heartily for keeping to the rule B,
and then, God give Dr. Wentworth joy of the deanery. And
though I do not think his name only got him the preferment
from you, yet, cateris paribus, you had no reason to pass his
name over.
I make no doubt but that you are very right for the person
of 60, 43, 79, 32, 44, 91, 45, 69*. And I assure you, I am,
* [Earl of Manchester.] Church. (See vol. vi. p. 322.)]
• [Respecting the age of persons * [The Earl of Leicester. See above,
to be appointed to dignities in the p. 297.]
LETTERS. 301
too, for the certainty of her carriage there. Nor can I doubt A.D. 1636.
but that you are right also in your judgment whence the
infusion is. Well ! so a war, and the mischief which must
follow, be kept off, I shall care the less ; but if you know all,
that party hath some little reason to look upon 27, 15, 300,
Laud
102 in a better fashion than he hath done.
Laud
But 102 bids me assure you, he will take no notice of it,
more than is forced upon him.
This night, so soon as I came home, I met a letter from
my Lord of Derry, and in it a copy of a notorious scandal
spread in the North of Ireland, concerning my Lord of
St. Andrew's11 and myself.
I pray thank my Lord for his care, but I cannot think the
thing worthy more than contempt. You will know there what
it is. I shall not need to write it, nor to advise about it.
But since I am upon this argument I will tell you how I
am used in England, and my calling too. The week before
this, there came out a peevish book about the Sabbath, but
in the last two leaves there is a notorious libel against At
torney Noye and myself, for Mr. Prinn's business, and in the
close he falls upon me for feasting and profane plays at
Oxford x. And now, this last week, there is another in form
of a Curanto, made, as it appears at first, against the Bishop
of Norwich, Dr. Wren ?. But your Lordship will see all the
first part strikes at me for innovation in the Church. I
send you a copy of it that you may see how I am used. But
I pray, burn it, that no copies be taken out of it : though,
perchance, some are sent out both into Scotland and Ireland.
For the way of spreading them here was in letter cases, without
any writing in them, only one or more of the books enclosed,
as this is now to you, and so sent to almost all the Lords in
the kingdom ; and the Court is full of them. The thing is
full of sedition, and certainly made to stir up some to villany.
At this instant here is great news out of Somersetshire,
that one Mrs. Leekye, who died about two years since, doth
u [John Spottiswoode.] the part here referred to. (See Birch's
* [The book referred to was Henry Charles I., vol. ii. p. 260.)]
Burton's ' Divine Judgments upon ? [The book entitled ' News from
Sabbath Breakers/ — though he is said Ipswich,' written by Prynne. (See vol.
to have repudiated the authorship of vi p. 46.)]
302 LETTERS.
A.D. 1636. often appear and trouble her son's house, and lately appeared
to his wife, her daughter-in-law, and charged her to go into
Ireland, and deliver a message to Bishop Athertori z, who, they
say, married a daughter of the said Mrs. Leekye, and that she
promised to meet her there.
The message which she hath to deliver to the Bishop she
will not tell to any but himself, and purposes to come into
Ireland on purpose for it. You may believe what you list of
this ; but some people, of very good quality, do affirm this,
and a great deal more. But what will appear truth in the
end, God knows.
I am sorry I have so much of this kind of stuff to write
unto you, but those libellings will be forerunners of worse
things if the Government grow looser. There is no business
of yours in this letter ; therefore, if it please you, burn it, as
the side paper uses now to be. So I rest
Your Lordship's loving poor Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Croydon, 5th Decr- 1636.
Recd- 24.
I hope before the date of this letter you are safe in Ireland.
LETTER CCCXXVIIL
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,
I RECEIVED two letters from your Majesty ; in the first
you are pleased to honour me with thanks for your sons'
entertainment at Oxford, which is more than either I or it
deserve*. In the other, your Majesty desires me to second
you to the King concerning the allowance of ten thousand
£ a month to the Landgrave of Hessen, and means to
the Prince your son, to levy troops and join with him, which
z [The Bishop of Waterford, men- and the Queen at their visit to Ox-
tioncd frequently before.] ford in the previous August. (See vol.
' [Both tho Prince Elector and v. pp. 148, seq.)]
Prince Rupert were with the King
. LETTERS. 303
thing you say would make him considerable in the world. A. D. 1G36.
[But as for that which I writ in my last, and which was the
sense of all the Lords of the Committee here, that gave your
Majesty little satisfaction.] b
Madam, I shall never be wanting to serve you where I
may, and did adventure (notwithstanding the former resolu
tion) to speak with his Majesty about this you now desire.
But your letters came too late to me, for his Majesty told
me that he had given you a full answer to this himself
already, and that therefore I should not need to give any
answer at all.
But for that which is at the end of your letter concerning
the election of the King of Hungary0 to be King of the
Romans, and your desire that the King would not acknow
ledge that election to be legal ; to this his Majesty com
manded me to write unto you, that he shall be very far from
doing that or anything else that may prejudice the Prince,
his nephew, in any his rights or honour. I would to God it
lay in my power to do your Majesty more service, and for
that I can do, none is more ready to be commanded than
Your Majesty's most humble Servant,
W. C.
Croydon, Deceb. 14, 1636.
Endorsed :
' The Copye of mye Letters to the Q.
of Bohe. concerninge 10,000 li. a
monethejbr'y6 Lansgrave of Hess.
' And not to acknowledge ye Election
of ye K. of Hungary to be K. of ye
Romans.'
LETTER CCCXXIX.
TO SIE JOHN LAMBE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
gIR S. in Christo.
I HAVE received two letters from you, the one concerning
the shipping business in Northamptonshire, with which I
have acquainted his Majesty, who likes your service herein
b [This passage in brackets is death of his father, elected Emperor
crossed out by Laud.] in 1637.]
c [Ferdinand III. He was, on the
304 LETTERS.
A.D. 1636. very well, and wills you to go on. The other is about the
indictment at Colchester d, which I intend to put into my
lawyer's hands, and take the best advice upon it that I can.
But I would to God you would think of coming away at once,
for I am removing to Lambeth this next week, and businesses
begin to come on apace, and I have nobody left to consult
with upon any occasion. Therefore, I pray, make all the
haste you can.
This inclosed paper is put into my hands by a very good
friend of mine; I pray peruse it and send to Sir W. Herricke e,
who is not far from you, and know what answer he will give ;
that if he refuse to do reason, some further course may be
taken. And, I pray, be careful in this to do the best you
can. They say you bear a great sway in those parts ; and I
shall be glad if in this particular it may be said, you bear the
bell away. So wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy
new year, I leave you to God's grace, and rest, in haste,
Your very loving Friend,
W. CANT.
Croydon, 10b" 23, 1636.
Endorsed by Lambe :
<My Lo. Archb. 23° Dec. 1636: ofyc
Shipmonye, except agl Colch. in.
dictm4. Sr Wm- Herrick.'
LETTER CCCXXX.
TO SIB, FRANCIS LEIGH.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
I HEARTILY pray Sir Francis Leigh to peruse this petition,
and to make good the promise here mentioned, by settling
some such proportion upon the petitioner and his successors
as in reason and justice is fitting in regard of the iuclosures
made by him. For which his nobleness to the Church I shall
d [This appears to refer to New- seq.)]
cominen's case. (See vol. iv. pp. 118, « [See vol. vi. p. 238.]
LETTERS. 305
give him hearty thanks, this poor man will pray for him, and A.D. 1636.
no doubt but he and his posterity will fare the better for so
good and Christian a work.
W. CANT.
LETTER CCCXXXI.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE received your Lordship's letters, and with them
the duplicate to Mr. Secretary Coke, for all which I thank
you heartily, and shall do all I am able that you may
have quick despatches, and those as conformable to your
most honourable designs as may be. And for the Arch
bishop of Cashells, his provincial fast, I leave him to your
justice. But it seems suspension is easy with him.
If the neglect of Holydays in that kingdom be not so
general as my information, I am the more glad ; the less the
fault, I hope it will be the sooner remedied.
And I am confident my Lord Primate will be wanting in
nothing that is of his power. And I should be most glad to
hear that the business of the College of Dublin were well and
peaceably settled.
But if it come back to me, I shall then do my duty in a
public way.
I thank you heartily for your advertisement from Rochelle.
It can never be well as long as we have so many Chanf Turks.
I showed that passage to the King, and humbly besought
him that he would hold constant to his resolution, and beat
those vermin in at their own holes. And I find his Majesty
most resolute in it. And I hope you think I will riot let it
want calling upon.
My Lord, I have done with your letter to me, and I find
in your letter to Mr. Secretary that you are fallen into the
1 [This word, probably, is an ab- p. 273 ; or it may be a contraction for
breviation for ' Channel.' There were 'Christian.' Laud speaks of 'the
at this time many Turkish pirates in most Christian Turks,' vol. vi. p. 464.]
the English Channel. See above,
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP. X
306 LETTERS.
A. D. 1G36. gout. I am extremely sorry for it. And I hope it will be no
long nor grievous fit.
But you are so venturous, and sit up so late, and diet so
carelessly, that you must look to be punished for it. Well !
God send you health for all that, else the King's business and
the Church's will all suffer.
Lord Holland
There is no news. A still Court this Christmas. 112 very
calm, so Mr. Secretary tells me. Good Lord, what power
some have in the world. My Lord Marshal every day
expected, not come as yet. The French do nothing with our
propositions.
The Swedes go yet victoriously on.
This is all, and health and a most happy new year God
send you. To whose blessed protection I leave you, and
rest
Your Lordship's
Faithful Friend and humble Servant,
W. CANT.
Hampton Court, Dec. 26th, 1636.
Reed. 4th January.
Answered 20th of the same.
The greatest news to me of all is, that you are so fallen out
with me, as that you will never forgive me. But will you not
send me word neither ? What is my offence ? for I protest, I
know not. But this is told me.
LETTER CCCXXXII.
TO DR. RICHARD BAYLIE, PRESIDENT OF ST. JOHN'S.
[St. John's College, Oxford.]
c S. in Christ o.
oIRj
I HAVE procured the Rectory of Southwarnborough, in-
Hampshire, and the perpetual inheritance of it to the
College ; and for this you will receive a tripartite deed in a
black box, which I have now sent unto you. The gentleman
LETTERS. 307
of whom I got it is Mr. William Sandys g; and my Counsel A. D. if>36.
in Law assures me that the title is good. I sent to my Lord
of Winton to have a search made in his registry, how the
Parsonage had formerly gone, and I find that it continued
without any doubt or controversy in the right and posses
sion of that gentleman and his ancestors, of whom Mr.
Sandys purchased it. And the papers of this search I here
likewise send you. And as I did for Gatton, so will I do
for this, that is, write to my Lord of Winton to have a
caveat entered, that your right of patronage of Southwarn-
borough is now in St. John Baptist College, in Oxford.
This benefice, as you will see more at large by the deed
itself, I have annexed to the Presidentship for ever. But
in case it happen that the President for the time being be
either better provided for, or better to his content, by the
benefice which he already possesseth, at such time or times as
the said Southwarnborough shall fall void, in such case it
shall go to any one of the Fellows as the President himself
shall name. So, wishing you and your successors much joy
of this, and the College much good by it, I leave you to the
grace of God, and rest
Your very loving Friend,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, January 16th, 1636.
To my very loving Friend, Dr. Baylie,
President of St. John Baptist College
in Oxford.
LETTER CCCXXXIII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
SINCE the last of December, which is the date of your
letters h, the Plague Bill hath strangely increased, and is now,
God be thanked, very well fallen again.
« [This was, probably, William title which his father did not as-
Sandys, son of Colonel Henry Sandys, sume.]
He was summoned to Parliament in h [Printed in Strafforde Letters,
1661, as Lord Sandys of the Vine, a vol. ii. p. 41.]
x2
308 LETTERS.
A.D. 1636. And it is now as clear as the sun, that the last increase
came by the carelessness of the people, and greediness to
receive into their houses infected goods. To this add great
defect in the inferior governors, with great want among the
poor, by reason of so many base tenements with their inmates
erected to private gain with public mischief, and you have all
the causes under God himself of the present infection.
But, howsoever, the sum climbs high apace, and this year
cannot be free of the sickness without a miracle. And it will
be as grievous a year as the memory of man ever knew, if the
government of the city and suburbs be not better looked to,
than in this past year they have been. And I pray God
there be not that malignity in many to be reckless of the
sickness. So that misery may come upon those other busi
nesses which they like not.
For the libeller I doubt not you have hit upon the true
reason of his faith.
But he is now more strangely confuted than you observe.
For now, upon laying down of the fast, the sickness increased
two weeks together dangerously. And what, I pray ? May
not I as well infer that God was angry for laying it down, as
He was for the setting of it up ? For I hope he will not
make God angry with both. For then we shall not know
what to do. But God be thanked that His anger is not
guided by the libeller's malice.
My Lord of Northumberland goes on very honourably.
But it seems much to me that his Lordship should have no
Lord Holland
opinion in the world of 112, 29, 13, 23, 300, considering
how well they would be thought of. But I pray, my Lord,
should not this passage have been in your paper apart ? I
hope you will not lay down that method which I so much
approve, but that invention was yours. And you will see
by that which accompanies this letter that I mean to
pursue it.
L e
I writ plainly to you what I thought concerning 60, 43,
79, 32, 44, 91, 45, 69, 24, 13, 4, and am glad you dissent
not. My moderation (which you approve) I shall pursue, if
I have not too much provocation.
LETTERS. 309
For the scandal cast upon the Lord Archbishop of St. A. D. 1636.
Andrew's and myself, I cannot look with any other eye upon
it than that of scorn. And I know well the liberty which
schismatical persons of that nation use to assume.
And, therefore, if your Lordship, being upon the place,
shall think meet to dispose others by their example (in
punishment, I mean not in practice), I will and do wholly
submit it to your wisdom. But other direction I beseech
you expect not from me.
The printed Libel is full of venom indeed ; the best is,
they have called my Master by the worst name they have
given me, and He hath taught me how to bear it. But the
danger which I fear I cannot remedy.
And I heartily pray God they may be able to remedy it
hereafter, that now, while they may, do it not.
The King hath commanded me to write to the Bishop of
Bath and Wells i to take some justices to him and examine
the business concerning Mrs. Leekye. When he hath done
this, and sent the examination up, I will send your Lordship
word what her errand is, if by that I can learn it.
1 humbly thank your Lordship for the care you have taken
with my Lord Primate to settle a better observance of the
Holy days.
As also for your noble favour in the case of the Bishop
of Killala k. God, I hope, will bless your proceedings in
restoring that poor Church some of her patrimony, if you
cannot do all ; and yourself, and yours also, for your zealous
undertaking, and careful prosecuting it. And when the
great cause of Lismore1 comes before you, I doubt not but
you will do the Church that favour which you may with
honour and justice.
As for the Archbishop of Cashell, I did never look to hear
better of him. Nor do I wonder he should deceive you,
considering it helps him to keep so many vicarages. Do you
not think it would lame any man to carry sixteen vicarages ?
But surely that burden will help him to a sciatica in his
conscience sooner than in his hips. And, therefore m, if you
1 [William Pierce.] Cork. (See vol. vi. p. 333.)]
k [Archibald Adair.] '" [In MS. '</V evidently an ab^
1 [This refers to the property of the breviation for ' ergo,'}
b;
See of Lismore, held by the Earl of
310 LETTERS.
A. D. 1630, give him a sound purging, you shall do both the Church and
him good.
I have received and read the duplicate you sent me, and
shall be most willing to serve you in all things that may
tend to his Majesty's service, which you so really intend.
In neither of your letters do I find any mention of the
business between my Lord Primate and the Provost, but I
hope you will find a time to end it, or send it me.
And, good my Lord (for you know my resolution), hear it
yourself, for I will not submit it to any other on that side.
For that business hath hitherto been carried with a very
w h e
high hand. And to speak plainly, I am to seek 75, 56, 43,
ther theviolenc or
89, 44, 70, 14, 86, 52, 46, 51, 59, 45, 63, 32, 16, 23, 50, 69,
the i n j u s t i c e we
29, 85, 48, 64, 47, 53, 71, 73, 46, 33, 44, 28, 300, 76, 43,
a r the greater
40, 70, 15, 86, 38, 69, 44, 41, 74, 45, 70, 21. And yet I
could heartily wish you could reduce all to a friendly and
the credit
peaceable end, preserving 85, 17, 32, 69, 44, 34, 47, 73, 19,
o f him that hath bin so
50, 37, 10, 13, 95, 87, 55, 41, 90, 20, 30, 48, 63, 27, 72, 51,
much wronged
61, 53, 33, 56, 29, 76, 70, 49, 64, 38, 45, 35, as I doubt [not]
but you will.
I humbly thank your Lordship for your picture. I shall,
God willing, keep it while I live. It is now come safe to me,
and yet I hope you think I shall not need your picture much
to keep you in memory.
I shall shortly send you the Charter and the new Statutes
for the College near Dublin. But I must acquaint your
Lordship, that Mr. Attorney and Solicitor here like not the
way for the Charter which was thought on at Croydon in the
presence and with the assistance of Sir George Radcliffe.
For some things in the old Charter must be laid aside, or
the new Statutes will be to no purpose. Now they cannot
be abrogated without calling the Charter to judgment (which
is not thought fit) or by resigning it.
We all pitch here upon their resigning it as the safest and
fittest way. But this must be carried very privately till the
LETTERS. 311
time. And at the time your Lordship must show yourself, A.D. 1636.
or else I doubt there will be practice to defeat the new
Statutes by keeping on foot the old Charter, of which I
heartily pray you have a care.
The business of my Lord of Northumberland I have put
off to the last, because I was of necessity to speak with the
King before I could make a full answer, and in the meantime
I drew up the rest of this letter, that Mr. Raylton might not
stay for me.
I have now spoken to his Majesty, and as earnestly as I
could. And showed him so much of your letter as might
assure him it was your judgment as well as mine. And
withal what a great honour and ease it would be to him to
have men of fortunes to serve him, rather than such as were
to make fortunes by him. The King liked all well, but in
the close, gave me this answer, ' That he liked my Lord of
Northumberland's service exceeding well, but yet that he
would have more experience of him before he would put him
into the Committee of the Admiralty/
And to your additionals, 1 can but say this, 'tis not unlike
that the Commissioners of the Navy should take it hardly
(at least some of them) that my Lord passed them by, and
went immediately to the King ; but that will vanish. Arid
I do not find but that the King is very well satisfied with
him. And for myself (I hope his Lordship will acknowledge
it to you), I gave him all the assistance I could, and in
everything in which my judgment was satisfied. And so
'tis time to take my leave. God's protection shield you,
while I rest
Your Lordship's faithful Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
I hope your gout is run away from you, though that be not
its usual pace.
Lambeth, Janr- 18, 1636.
3
Reed. 29th of the same.
Answered the last of February
following.
312 LETTERS.
A. D. 1630.
LETTER CCCXXXIV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
S. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I FIRST heard of the death of the Earl of Antrim n in
your Lordship's letters, but now, before that the young Earl
comes over, he hath been with me, and desires two things
of me, and I can refuse him in neither. The first is, that I
would give your Lordship thanks for your noble favours very
freely showed him now upon the death of my lord his father.
And the other, that I would heartily desire of your Lordship
the continuance of that your noble carriage and respects unto
him, with promise that nothing shall be wanting on his side to
do your Lordship all such service as you have bound him to.
My Lord, you well know my obligations to the house into
which he is married, and I cannot make any doubt but
that as at first you were pleased for my sake to pass by some
things which stuck with you, so you will now at this my
earnest entreaty be most ready to give him all just and
honourable assistance in all his businesses, that he shall need
from you, for which I shall not only give your Lordship
hearty thanks, but shall be as ready to serve you in any of
your friends here. So wishing your Lordship all health there
to follow your businesses, and all happy success in them,
I leave you to the grace of God, and rest
Your Lordship's loving Friend to serve you,
Lambeth, Jan. 21st, [1636.] W. CANT.
Bro*' by the E. of Antrim.
LETTER CCCXXXV.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,
YOUR Majesty's Letters of December f# I received by
the hands of my Lord Marshal °, but so late as that I must
• [The Earl died Dec. 10th, 1636.] « [Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel.]
LETTERS. 313
and do humbly beseech your Majesty not to think my answer A. D. 1036.
to them very slow. My Lord hath done in the business his
Lordship was trusted with, very honourably and very clearly,
and his Majesty hath ever had and declared to him a very
good opinion of his service therein, so that for that particular
there is nothing left for me to do, but to honour my Lord
for his noble carriage in this business, which I shall ever do.
The second part of your Majesty's letter is only to desire
me to give my best furtherance that the Prince your son
may be personally put into action, and thereby made more
considerable, and that this summer may not be lost. For
this, Madam, I believe your Majesty hath heard already by
better hands than mine, that there is a way thought on, in
which I pray God bless the Prince, and his just cause. What
this way is in general, I presume your Majesty hath heard
before this time by Mr. Secretary p, and will be so informed
from time to time, as the business shall descend into more
particular resolutions. And how I have carried myself in
the business, I had much rather your Majesty should hear
from others than myself. Only this I shall say, I have dealt
in this and all other businesses belonging to the Prince
Elector's cause with all integrity and freedom, and as you are
pleased to say I use to write. Misreported I may be, and as
the times go, I look for it. My humble suit is, that I may
not be mistaken, that so I may rest cheerfully as well as
faithfully
Your Majesty's true and careful Servant,
Endorsed : W. C.
'The Copye of mye answear to ye
Q. of Bohemia's Leter of Decemb.
ft, 1636.'
LETTER CCCXXXVI.
TO THE DEAN AND CHAPTER OF CANTERBURY.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
AFTER my hearty commendations, &c. I thank you for
your letters, arid am very glad to hear that your Statutes are
come well and safe into your hands q. If now ye shall be as
P [Sir John Coke.] vol. v. p. 506, and the Letter accom"
i [These Statutes arc printed in panying them, in vol. vi. p. 484.]
314 LETTERS.
i. D. 1636. careful to observe them, as (I dare say) I have been to alter
and settle them, I make no doubt but that they will turn to
the honour and profit of the Church and yourselves ; and my
great hope is, that you will be careful.
Now concerning your doubts, they are but three, and such
as I wonder why you should make, yet since ye have made
them, I shall, as ye desire, resolve them.
Your first doubt is about the taking of your oaths to the
said Statutes, whether ye should take them as many as are
there present, or expect a full Chapter. To this I can say
no more, but that it were more solemn it should be in a full
Chapter. But if that cannot now be had, it is not amiss
that they which are present at the Church should presently
take it, but congregated together when they do it, and an
act made and registered, who they are that have taken it,
where, and when. And then the rest may take their oath in
Chapter when they come.
Your second doubt is, whether ye that are already installed
are obliged to use those forms of prayer or of promise pre
scribed in the second or eleventh Statute. To this the answer
is easy. Ye shall not need to use any new solemnity in
repeating those prayers ; but for the promises prescribed in
those places, ye are entirely bound to the performance of
them, and as much as if the prayers had been used over
you at the time of your instalment. For having taken your
oaths to all the Statutes, how can you but be bound to the
promises made in those ?
To the third, who shall administer the oath to the Dean
and Chapter. The course is as plain, and is to be done in
that order we take our oaths to the H. Commission ; where
the Archbishop takes it first himself, but in the presence of
two or three Commissioners, and the Registrar of the Court,
and then the rest take it before him, himself or the Registrar
administering it. So the Dean is to take the oath himself in
the presence of the Prebends, and then to administer it to
the Prebends, the Chapter clerk being present, and making
the act.
Besides these, there is a particular doubt made by Dr.
Jackson r, and it is concerning the Lecturers preaching upon
1 [See v jl. iv. p. 223.]
LETTERS. 315
those holydays which are not named in Statute, and yet are A. D. 1636.
commanded to be observed by the Church of England. To
this I pray, let Dr. Jackson know that the reason why I did
not alter the Statute in that point, was because I held it to
be a great burden upon the Prebend that reads the Lecture,
to have him bound by Statute, and so by oath, whereas now
he stands bound only by a Chapter act, and that way I
would have him bound still, but no otherwise, for there ye
have power to ease him, and divide the burden, which ye
cannot do if he were bound by statute.
These are all the things that I have to write unto you
concerning your Statutes. So wishing you all health and
contentment, and agreement among yourselves, I leave you
to the grace of God, and rest
Your very loving Friend, &c.
Feb. 4, 1636.
Endorsed :
' A copy of my Letters to the Dean
and Chapter of Cant., in answer to
some doubts concerning their new
Statutes.'
LETTER CCCXXXVII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTW011TH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
Sal. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE received your packet of January 20th, and I thank
you for the duplicates, which I have read ; and now to your
letter.
The Archbishop of Cashell, if he go, rather than come,
I hope God will have mercy upon him, and receive him.
But I will not think of a successor for him until I hear that
he is dead. Further than that, I humbly thank you for the
Provost, of whom I shall be most willing to think, especially
after the College differences and the Visitors are ended. And
in the meantime I will advise of a fit man to succeed in that
College, but I would willingly have all differences ended first,
that the new Provost may not be entangled with the old
316 LETTERS.
A. D. 1630. quarrels. And besides, so soon as the new Charter and
Statutes are settled, the gift of the Provost's place will be in
the King, and so we shall have no noise with the Fellows for
their suffrages. And I am glad to hear, by Mr. Raylton, that
at the next return you will put an end to the College troubles,
and give me an account of it.
I am none of the Admiralty, but I have (upon my first
reading of the duplicates) called upon the Lords for an
increase of your guard upon those seas; and for haste to
send them away. I was likewise earnest with the King, in
both points, and shall not fail to give that business my best
assistance. And here let me tell you, I took occasion to tell
the King the C o
300 and 100, while they were altogether, that 85, 32, 50,
mmiss ion the a d m
62, 61, 46, 72, 71, 47, 51, 64 of 86, 40, 34, 61s, was, as all
others are, full of 35, 45, 59, 41, 80, 44, &c., that I thought
it much better, if it might be (though but from year to year)
one mans hand
in 49, 63, 44, 17, 62, 42, 64, 71, 25, 55, 41, 63, 35, that
the King
might expedite it. But to this neither 300 nor 100 gave
me any answer.
will
The King having declared himself that he 75, 48, 60, 59,
res e r v e the ad p 1 a
29, 69, 43, 71, 44, 70, 54, 45, 15, 85, 10, 41, 35fc, 65, 60, 40,
ce for his secon
32, 44, 23, 36, 50, 70, 28, 56, 46, 72, 8, 71, 45, 33, 51, 63,
d s o n e
34, 27, 72, 49, 64, 44.
I am glad to hear the gout hath been so merciful to you,
and more, you have mended your bed-hour and diet.
Believe it, if anything keep it from fastening deeper upon
you, it must be a guard there. For 'tis in vain to bring it
into the Castle Chamber or any court of justice. It will
follow you thither sometimes, whether you will or no; and if
you should fine it, it will make you pay for it, and smart too.
My Lord, I writ truth to you, that I was told you were
so angry with me that you would never forgive me. And
I hope you think that had I believed it or doubted it, I would
• [Admiralty.] l [The Lord High Admiral's.]
LETTERS. 317
not have written it to you. But, my Lord, I did not look A. D. 1636.
for any solemn answer, but a scorn and away. For I protest
I never made other of it. I know the arts that are now much
in practice to sow division, but I care not for them where
I can see my own ground to tread on. And certainly, my
Lord, I must do your Lordship this right, first to myself,
and then to others, that you have merited so much of myself
and the Church (which I should prefer before myself) as
that I can neither honour nor serve you enough. And I care
not who bites the lip at it. And I shall end my letter with
this, that till I end my life I shall go on with all the offices,
and none but such as shall beseem him that must write
himself
Your Lordship's faithful Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Feb. 11, 1636.
Recdt 20th of the same, by Davenport,
the messenger.
Answered it last of Feb. following.
Here's now another book besides the Libel, come out
avowedly by Mr. Henry Burton, a minister in Friday Street".
I am most shamefully abused by it. And I thipk there was
never so impudent a book printed. Surely it is thought equal
to Laygton'sv, and as desperate against the hierarchy.
Mr. Attorney hath order to proceed against him, and
some others his accomplices, in the Star Chamber.
Now, my Lord, to the side-table I go; and there at the
Ld. Holland
ends of your letter 200 and 112 sit in state at the upper
end. I assure you that they carry things high here; but
what is their interest more than was at your being on this
side I know not. The latter of them, I hear, is not well
pleased with me about my 52, 46, 71, 47, 73, 40, 74, 48, 51,
n of the univ er si t y
63, 14, 50, 36, 29; 85, 53, 64, 47, 54, 44, 69, 72, 46, 73, 79,
s the gre atsea
71, 16. It is now under 86, 38, 70, 43, 41, 74, 71, 45, 42,
u [It was entitled ' An Apology of book was ' Sion's Plea against Pre-
an Appeal,' &c.] lacy.']
v [The titleof Alexander Leigh ton's
318 LETTERS.
1 n a
A. D. 1636. 59, 27, and as I am told, the great exception is the 64, 40,
62, 48, 6^, 39, 18, 49, 37, 23, 50, 77, 36, 5°1, 70, 34, 19,
30, 43, 36, 50, 70, 45, 24, 32, 40, 61.x I would complain
grievously of this, but that you are as factious in this vanity
as he. Cottington
Next, I shall tell you, that 110, lately grown up from a
waiting woman upon the Lady Mora, your old mistress, is,
L. N o r th
or would seem to be, very inward with 59, 63, 49, 69 y, 89,
umber land.
53, 62, 31, 44, 70, 60, 42, 64, 34. At least she courts him
much; which I only thought fit to let you know — -me it
concerns not.
The soap business is come in question again, not now by
me, but by some of the new corporation, who have acquainted
the King that they cannot so hold it out, but that it will be
much better for the King and the Commonwealth to have it
put in the old soap-boilers' hands, who, by means of 27, 29,
and Laud
15, 83, 102, 19, offer the King as fairly and as largely as
ever they did.
The other part of the new corporation (for divided they
are) are as earnest as ever they were. For my own part, I
and Laud
will leave 28, 84, 102 to follow their own ways. But I will
be led in triumph no more, being resolved to sit quietly and
Laud
let the business work as it will. Yet this 102 bids me tell
the King want
you, if 300, 100, 17, 4, 28, be not extremely 75, 42, 63, 73,
ing to the m s e 1 v e s
, 46, 64, 38, 19, 74, 51, 15, 86, 61, 72, 43, 59, 54, 45, 72, 29, it
may have an excellent end. If it fail it can be nobody's fault,
the King Laud
but 100 must be faulty together, and then 102 resolves she
will never meddle more in it.
I here send you a copy of the old soap-boilers' offer, of as
fresh date as February 6th, that you may see how fairly they
deal, if they may yet be accepted. And the security they
offer is forty thousand pounds bond, and ten thousand pounds
advance beforehand.
* [Lord Holland was Chancellor of Cambridge.]
y [In MS. ' 59,' evidently an error.]
LETTERS. 319
sec
Now I come at the last to tell you which is 71, 45, 32, A.D. 1G36.
retissima insfcruc
70, 43, 73, 47, 72, 71, 48, 62, 40, 26, 46, 63, 92 69, 52, 33,
t i o The
74, 48, 50, 17, and you must use it accordingly. 28, 17, 85,
Earl Marshal beingreturned
107 z, 30, 43, 47, 63, 39, 70, 44, 73, 54, 69, 63, 45, 35,
that n o e f o
have made it appear .to us 87, 64, 49, 43, [aid] 19, 36, 51,
r the P. Elector ho
70, 23, 86, 27, 65, 44, 59, 45, 32, 74, 51, 69 can be 55, 50,
ped for from Spa
66, 45, 34, 23, 37, 49, 70, 15, 36, 69, 49, 61, 10, 71, 65, 40,
80, 6^, 43, &c.
g r o w e
And now I verily believe it will in time 38, 69, 50, 76, 43,
into awar.
25, 46, 63, 74, 49, 24, 41, 75, 40, 70.
God speed what must go on. But, God be thanked, in all
this troublesome business God hath exceedingly blessed his
Majesty. For this term the Judges have all declared under
their hands, unanimously, that if the kingdom be in danger,
the King may call for, and ought to have, supply for ship-
money through the kingdom, and that the King is sole judge
when the kingdom is in this danger. So that now the King
(if he put to it) may anger his enemies at sea ; and I hope no
man shall persuade him to undertake land-forces out of the
kingdom. I did fear everything till this point was gained.
i t
Now, by God's blessing, all may go well, though 47, 74, 17,
should be w a r r.
71, 55, 49, 54, 60, 34, 26, 30, 43, 19, 76, 40, 70, 69.
And in this difficulty let me tell you one pretty thing. 22,
Laud the Earl Marshal
18, 28 tell me (but 102 knows nothing of it), that 19, 107,
are not only now 41, 38, 40, 47, [63,] 92, 14, 71, 66, 42, 79, 21,
for there's cause enough for that certainly, but extremely for
the L. C u n t r y s.
85, 60, 32, 53, 64, 74, 70, 79, 71. And 'tis common in Court
the Q. o f B o h e m.
speech that 86, 68, 50, 36, 20, 31, 49, 56, 44, 61, is an ear-
s u t o r to the King the E. Marshal
nest 72, 52, 74, 51, 69, 16, 73, 51, 19, 85, 100, that 107,
» [Thomas Howard, Earl of Arun- many, where he had been employed
del, liad recently returned from Ger- as ambassador.]
320 LETTERS,
maye be restored
A.D. 1636. 62, 42, 80, 44, 29, 30, 43, 21, 69, 44, 91, 50, 70, 45, 34, 17,
73, 49, 28, 56, 47, 71, 19, 41, 63, 74, 48; 44, 64, 73, 19,
honnour of the D. o f
56, 49, 64, 63, 50, 59, [69,] 25, 51, 36, 17, 86, 34, 50, 37, 9,
Norfolk for thiss
63, 51, 70, 36, 49, 59, 58, 26, 37, 51, 70, 29, 90, 46, 72, 71,
17, 72, 44, 69, 54, 47, 32, 44. We shall now quickly see
more, but as yet I know not what to say to those particulars.
I protest unto you, all the spare hours I have been able to
get these eight days have scarce given me leisure to write
this. Therefore, I hope you will think we are busy, though
we do little. The sickness increases notwithstanding this
fine weather, and I much fear the year, for the Holland
opinion grows amongst us, and the people, in many places,
will not be kept the sick from the sound.
God preserve us that must be in danger.
LETTER CCCXXXVIII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
Sal. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HERE send your Lordship a petition and reference pro
cured from his Majesty, by one Mr. Stewart, a Scotch gen
tleman a. And because it concerns the place of printer of
that kingdom, I have obtained leave to acquaint your Lord
ship with the business before anything be further done, and do
hereby humbly pray you to be pleased to speak with my
Lord Primate about it, and let me receive at your Lordship's
leisure your opinion of this petitioner's suit ; as also a note
of all such things as are fit to be regulated or amended for
the well settling of a good press in that kingdom, which
* [It appears by this Petition and quired to do by the terms of his
other documents on the subject that Patent. The Petitioner, Francis
the King's printer in Ireland had not Stewart, son of the late Earl of Both-
discharged the duties of his office, by well, prayed that the patent thus
printing Bibles, Prayer-books, and forfeited might be granted to him-
other religious books, as he was re- self.]
LETTERS. 321
being all I have to trouble your Lordship with at this time, A. D. 1636.
I leave you to God's blessed protection, and shall ever rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, February 20th, 1636.
Rec. March 5.
I am confident my Lord Primate will be able and willing
to give your Lordship all the information and assistance in
this business, that is fitting, and I heartily pray you that I
may receive an answer so soon as may be.
LETTER CCCXXXIX.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S, P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUK MAJESTY,
I HEAR of a report in Court, but (it seems) it came
latest to my ears whom it most concerns. It is that your
Majesty was offended with a passage in a letter of mine
about the twelve thousand pounds a year, which his Majesty
(as businesses stood at that time) thought fit to allow the
Prince your son for maintenance b; not then seeing so open a
way as since he hath to put the Prince's Highness into action.
Madam, I am infinitely sorry I should be so mistaken by
you as therein I was, and worse interpreted. And your
Majesty knows better than I the malignity of Courts; let any
rumour be spread, it will quickly increase, be the truth never
so far from it. But I beseech you give me leave to tell your
Majesty I writ nothing in that letter, but by the King's, my
master's, express command, and the like charge was laid upon
my Lord the Earl of Holland, and Mr. Secretary, to write
the same thing. And his Majesty assumed to write as much
himself. The news I knew would be unpleasing to your
Majesty, and my hard hap it was that my letters came first,
b [See above, p. 290.]
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP. Y
322 LETTERS.
A.. D. 1636. and perhaps spake plainest. Other offence I have committed
none, but in Court reports I have suffered much, and am
content to bear it, as I must do many things beside.
Now, Madam, to the contents of your letters of February
&. I shall not fail to put the King in mind of what he hath
promised concerning the King of Hungary's election to be
King of the Romans, in case anything should be pressed
in that way ; and for the gentleman which brought your
Majesty's letters, I have heard him in all particulars, and
shall be ready to serve you in what I may.
I am very glad that the way wherein the King hath put
his affairs in regard of the Prince's Highness gives your
Majesty so good content. I pray God it may have that
success which yourself desires, and we are persuaded here
that the States, finding how useful this may be to their ends,
will add a proportion of ships to them which will be furnished
hence. But for that particular which concerns his Majesty's
forbearance in the case of the fishing for this present year, I
will do such offices as may well beseem me, in a business in
which his Majesty's right to the dominion of the sea is so
much concerned. And if you would have me speak clearly
what I think, though my freedom hath been frost-bitten this
winter, and received a nip, I will not spare to do it, that
your Majesty may see how willing I am to serve you. The
truth is, Madam, his Majesty is so set to maintain that right
of his, that I dare speak no more unto him than I have
already done. But I confess I do much wonder (considering
upon what way the King now is with France), that the
Prince of Orange and the States should trouble themselves
to gain any overt concession from his Majesty, to leave their
fishing free this year ; since it is more than manifest there
will be so much other work for his navy, as that the business
of the fishing must needs fall asleep of itself, and give way
to affairs of greater consequence. And were I wise enough
to give your Majesty counsel, I would advise a silence of
this business on all hands, and not to interrupt business
(which I hope will go happily on) with moving a question
about that, which will necessarily do itself without question
ing. Madam, pardon this freedom, I beseech you, and then
whether my counsel be taken or not it shall not trouble me.
LETTERS. 323
Your Majesty's postscript I humbly thank you for, and A.D. 1636.
shall continue my service very faithfully, and since you are
pleased still to invite me to it, I shall write with my wonted
freedom, and not labour to hide myself in clouds, though
that be more suitable with the course of the times. And so,
Madam, I humbly take my leave, and shall ever express
myself
Your Majesty's faithful Servant,
W. C.
Lambeth, Feb. 28, 1636.
Since I had written this I understand by my Lord Goring0,
that your Majesty hath written to him about the misinter
pretation of my letters, and I am glad to find by his Lordship
that you are satisfied; for others I stand the less upon it,
though certain I am, I have in those letters departed from
nothing that I was commanded, nor made any addition to it.
And though I owe your Majesty more service than I can
perform, yet sure I may say, I have done you such service as
hath been in my power, and shall be glad that that which is
well meant may be well taken.
Your Majesty's books are ready, and stay only for the
brass cuts for your arms, which I received not till I had
ended this letter.
Endorsed :
' Feb. 28, 1636.
* The copye of my Lrl to the Queen
of Bohemia.'
LETTER CCCXL.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
S. in Christ o.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
SOME friends of this bearer have importuned me to write
to your Lordship on his behalf, and the suit which he makes
is so fair that I could not think it fit to refuse him. For I
c [George, first Lord Goring, afterwards created Earl of Norwich.]
Y2
324 LETTERS.
A.D. 1G36. am given to understand that this gentleman's father, Mr.
Brian M'Dermot of Carrick, in the county of Roscommon,
was one of the Grand Jury upon the finding of his Majesty's
title of the Grand Office of the said county, and therein
was very forward, and ready to do his Majesty all faithful
service.
I hear further, that the father is lately deceased, and that
this gentleman, his son, Mr. Terence M'Dermot, was, and is
likewise a faithful servant of his Majesty in the like kind. I
shall, therefore, desire your Lordship, upon my recommend
ation, to do him all the lawful favours you may upon the
settling of the new plantation in Connaught, especially if he
desire nothing but that which may stand with his Majesty's
service. And I shall receive this kindness from your Lord
ship as a very noble favour done to
Your Lordship's loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, March 4th, 1636.
Recd. 20th April.
LETTER CCCXLI.d
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
S. in Christo.
I UNDERSTAND there are some places void in the College,
and I pray your Lordship to find a way, before these new
statutes be settled, to put Mr. John Harding and Mr. Thomas
Marshall into those senior places, because they are men of
degree, and will be able for government, and unfit to come
up as juniors. As for those that should be gone at mid
summer next, there is a clause in the statute, cap. 7, that
d [The first part of this Letter is in which is entered only the business-
printed in vol. yi. p. 487, from a tran- part of the Letter.]
script in Archbishop Laud's Register,
LETTERS. 325
they shall go, and not be capable of the perpetuity now A. D. 1636.
granted to the Fellows.
So for this present I humbly take my leave, and rest
Your Lordship's poor Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, March 21".
Rec. April 1.
Now, my Lord, to the paper that belongs to the side
table.
I have little to write. Only you have a shrewd guess at men,
or else you are a witch. 1 remember well the censure you
the P. E. P a 1 a t y ne
passed to me about 85, 65, 44, 66, 40, 59, 41, 73, 79, 63, 17,
that he is of to gen
88, 55, 43, 20, 46, 71, 25, 51, 36, 29, 74, 50, 23, 38, 45, 64,
74, 60, 44, 15, 42, 4, 71, 6*5, 47, 69, 48, 73, 10, 74, 49, 14,
bussel thorough th
30, 54, 72, 71, 45, 59, 24, 89, 49, 70, 50, 52, 39, 56, 27, 90,
is s bysynes that
48, 72, 71, 22, 31, 79, 72, 80, 64, 44, 71, 16. For now 87,
60, 43, 42, 54 f, 44, 18, 4*7, 72, 19, 39, 48, 53, 45, 64, 15,
37, 49, 6^, 21, 54, 50, 60, 53, 64, 73, 40, 70, 7*9, 71, &c.
too many observe a coldness where there should be most
heatg. You will burn these. And then I have but one
thing more to trouble you with.
the Earl Marshal
'Tis this : I see 200 and 107 are resolved shortly to trouble
you again about the great business in Ireland, for which I
think your Lordship hath 71, 65, 44, 32, 48, 40, 60, 59, 27,
direct! ons the King
34, 47, 70, 45, 33, 74, 46, 50, 63, 71 from 300, 100, 200, 27,
15, 29. Now, my Lord, God forbid but you should do as I
to your
know you will, keep close 73, 49, 15, 80, 50, 52, 69, 23,
47, 64, 91, 70, 53, 33, 73, 46, 51, 63, 72 ; yet I must tell
Prince Elector Palatine.] letter to Wentworth. (Strafforde Let-
in MS. ' 51,' evidently wrong.] ters, vol. ii. p. 49.)]
See the Earl of Northumberland's
326 LETTERS.
A.D. 1637. you, and do here, beforehand, that 48, 61, 52, 92, 28, 75, 69,
ight earnestly you
47, 39, 56, 74, 17, 44, 42, 70, 64, 45, 91, 60, 79, 24, to 130
to 72, 55, 43, 76, 44, 25, 42, 60, 59, 19, 37, 40, 53, 51, 52,
r to the Earl Marshal h-
69, 24, 73, 49, 29, 107. Now you are armed, you will, I
know, do what is fit.
and the King
I have acquainted 500, 27, 15, 84, 100 with this, and they
all approve that I should give your Lordship this notice
which I have here done.
The soap business, after all the noise, is now settling down
upon the old soap-boilers ; only the King is graciously
pleased to allow the new corporation so much for their
consents.
LETTER CCCXLII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fkzwilliaru.]
S. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I DO here send and seal your Lordship's pardon for the
slowness of your last despatch. And though I would not
have you oppressed with business, yet glad I am at this
present that your despatch was so slow, for I have been as
much troubled all this Lent as your Lordship, and with more
unwelcome business ; libel upon libel coming against the
hierarchy of the Church, so that had any letters come from
you, I must for the time have made you no answer, or a very
distracted one.
I am sorry there should be cause for your Lordship to
concur with me in judgment concerning the danger of the
sickness this summer, and the use that ill-disposed persons
will make of it. But for the ship-money (God be thanked)
h [This most likely refers to the at- and in which he desired Wentworth's
tempt made by the Earl of Arundel to support. See Wentworth's Letter to
recover some lands in Ireland formerly Earl of Arundel, August 26, 1636.
belonging to the Dukedom of Norfolk, (Strafforde Letters, vol. ii. pp. 29, scq.)]
LETTERS. 327
'tis settled under all the Judges' hands *. So, that for aught A. D. 1637.
I know, nothing now remains of difficulty but to make the
assessments as equal as may be.
There was a great providence used to compass it the last
term, and a great deal of God's blessing to go with it in the
success ; for had it been to do now (the sickness increasing),
I much fear the money would not have come in so well as
(God be thanked) now it doth. Few know how the business
was so soon and so well ripened.
But such knowledge as I have of it I shall impart to you
in my by-paper, if I can remember it.
I thought I had had libels enough in England, but I see
Ireland must help me to one more. And as appears after
in your letter, Italy to another. I thank your Lordship
heartily for your care in both, but especially for sending the
business in Challenour's case k, which concerns your Lord
ship and myself, [apart] from that of the public. And though
he use me very unworthily, and with falsehood enough, yet
I have learned now to pass by these things which savour of
the distemper of the times, and, do what I can, will not be
followed through. That kind [of] proceeding is wholly lost
here, and what that will lose hereafter God knows.
I cannot tell your Lordship what Mrs. Leekey hath to say
to the Bishop of Waterford. This I can tell you, the Bishop
of Bath and Wells, and Sir Robert Philips \ and Dr. Godwin m,
have, by the King's command, examined that business of the
apparition, and certainly it is a fiction and a practice, but to
what end cannot be discovered.
And the younger woman, at that part of the examination,
stood still to it that she had a charge not to utter that to
any but to Dr. Atherton, yet to the King and him only she
would tell it if he commanded. If she come over into Ire
land (as she says she will), it may be that and more may be
fished out of her ; but a cunning young woman I hear she is,
and her husband in decay. And, therefore, I doubt it may
be some money business.
And then there is some use of the Bishop of Waterford's
1 [See Rushworth's Collection, vol. of Somerset.]
ii. p. 355. j m [Probably Dr. Paul Goodwyn, one
k [See rol. vi. p. 497.] of the Canons of Wells.]
1 [Several times M. P. for the county
328 LETTERS.
A. D. 1637. forty pounds per annum, which you say he hath recovered, if
he cannot tell otherwise what to do with it.
As for the Archbishop of Cashells, I doubt not but his vomit
will work very well ; for, notwithstanding his fast ", he is very
full : and full of his fast too ; for he hath sent me a letter,
and in that a petition to his Majesty for his gracious pardon
and forgiveness. I will show this to his Majesty ; but more
I will not do, till I hear from your Lordship how his other
physic works on that side.
I have already sent your Lordship the Charter and Sta
tutes, with Mr. Attorney's directions for your proceedings ;
so that ball is at your feet.
I hope your Lordship believes I have done, and do, my
Lord of Northumberland all the good offices which are in
my power. And am very glad to hear from you that my
Lord is pleased to make a fair interpretation of such poor
courtesies as I am able to do him.
I am very glad to hear your Lordship hath received so good
content, and that kingdom so good security, by the care of
the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, in sending those
Laud
ships you expected. And I am clearly of opinion that 102
gave very good counsel in that business, and I think 200 gave
as good counsel as he. And the truth is, both of them pressed
Laud
the same counsel since, and 102 gave a reason which I think
is of great consideration and consequence, but the resolution
goes contrary. So for the present more cannot be done.
I am glad to hear the gout has been so merciful to you at
this time, and I hope the next winter may be more gentle to
you than this hath been, if you look well to yourself in
the mean time.
And I verily think you cannot do yourself more harm than
to sit up late, which you have used too much. But I hope
this fit hath disciplined you as well as you have disciplined the
Archbishop of Cashells at the council table. And therefore,
as perhaps he would pray and fast no more, so I hope your
Lordship will pray and watch no more.
My Lord, I am most confident of your love and nobleness
to me ; yet did 1 hold it most fit to let you hear what came
to my knowledge.
n [See above, p. 298.]
LETTERS. 329
I thank God, I am not yet grown so dull but that I A. D. 1637-
saw there was great folly or as great practice in the report
which I certified to you. But those things work very little
with me where I have received such cause of confidence.
Therefore^ I pray give me leave at all times to tell you what
I discover in that kind ; but be assured I shall never fail you
in the other.
Since the noise of Burton's book is come over to you, I am
very glad that interpretation is made of it which you mention
on that side.
And for my part I hold contempt of such things to be one
of the best remedies against them. But yet when so many
of them shall one overtake the other, and all of them tend so
directly (as they do) to stir up mutiny and sedition among
the people, there is a necessity that somewhat more be done.
And a proceeding will be against them in the Star Cham
ber, and I hope this term.
This I'll assure you, in the Queen's time Udall ° was con
demned and died in prison, and Pendryp was hanged for less
than those men have done. But for my part (I thank God)
I desire no blood. What the issue will be in the Star
Chamber, I cannot prophesy, but I hope his Majesty and the
Lords will be very sensible of the business.
Concerning my Chambers at Hampton Court, that business
is past long since, and at the time when I was like to be most
destitute, I did clearly see that my Lady of Carlisle, to whose
use the Chambers were assigned, did ever intend to be
absent herself, and that she was very willing I should have
had them, as formerly I had. And I think I knew before On Sunday
your Lordship's letters came, who they were that hindered it, tcfmf duty
at least all save one. Nevertheless, I thank your Lordship £° the
heartily for the relation you have now made, and am very apt had a little
to believe that the Lady gave your Lordship that information
with that intention, that I might have a right understanding knowledge
of the business, and I would very willingly thank her Honour Aspects S
for that noble respect, had I any opportunity. &nd I took
For my Lord of Derry, I did receive the full satisfaction
0 [This was Nicholas Udal, who was all times and places, until the World's
tried for writing a book entitled ' A end.' (See Collier's Eccl. Hist. vol. ii.
Demonstration of the Discipline which p. 622. )]*
Christ hath prescribed in his Word, P [John Penry. (See Collier, Eccl.
for the Government of his Church, in Hist. vol. ii. p. 638.)]
330 LETTERS.
A. D. 1637. from your Lordship at your being at Croydon. And now
I have received fuller, had there any more needed \ but by
this as well as my other carriage your Lordship may clearly
see how openly I use to deal with my friends.
And I believe your Lordship would not have been so well
pleased that I should have concealed such an information and
harboured ill thoughts upon it, and let them grow up into a
jealousy against a man of so great desert to the Church.
And for them that gave me the information, I verily think,
they might have ignorance enough of my Lord of Derry's
proceedings ; but I am very apt to think they had no malice
against him. And this I'll promise your Lordship, if here
after I do discover that they had any, I will let you know it ;
in the meantime, I am, and shall so continue, as good a
friend to my Lord of Derry, as you or his Lordship can
wish me.
My Lord, I thank your Lordship very heartily for your
honourable favour and respect to my Lord of Antrim. I have
received a very noble letter from his Lordship since his going
over, with a great deal of thanks for all your Lordship's great
and honourable respects to him. And I must and do return
my best thanks to you for all that favour which you have
been pleased to do him for my sake ; and that which you do
for his own, he shall, and I know will, thank you himself. As
for the counsel which you gave him, I think His full of a
great deal of respect to his person, and as full of wisdom
in itself. But how my Lady Duchess will brook going out of
My Lady England I know not, nor do I hold it very fit to make
th^s present auv overture to her about it, now in the absence of her Lord.
is ill. When he shall be returned hither, if they please to speak
with me about it, I shall deal as freely with them as beseems
me. But otherwise, I shall not be over forward to oifer
them advice, if it be but for the proverb's sake which waits
upon proffered service. As for the report which was raised
in the Court, I do of my own knowledge know it went very
high, and was come to his Majesty's ears, with an addition
that his father had passed him by in his will. And now
I have, according as your Lordship wishes, acquainted his
Majesty with all that you have written, and done, my Lord,
all the good offices I can. And, I hope, have left the King
fully satisfied concerning the falsehood of the reports; for
LETTERS. 331
I have made bold to tell the King that I have received this A. D. 1637a
certainty from your Lordship's pen.
I thank your Lordship, I received the fish you sent;
and it proved very good. But you brag too, that the goodly,
great, and fat salt eels, which that country affords, should not
be spoiled in the salting ; but, I believe, you got so late out
of England, that the time of salting such fish was past before
you came thither to give your directions. For, I thank my
Lord of Derry, he sent me both eels and salmon this
year.
I pray you do me the kindness to thank his Lordship
heartily for it. But yet give me leave to say, the eels were
as fulsome this year as they were the former; and yet I
cannot ascribe it to the ignorance of them which salt the fish;
for the salt salmon which I had was as good as ever was
eaten, both for the goodness of the fish and for the usage.
Therefore, truly I suspect that either they use worse salt
to the eels than to other fish, or less than such great fish
require, or else there is some incorrigible muddiness in the
eel while 'tis fresh. Your Lordship sees what a skilful fish
monger I am grown. But this learning I have all the Lent
long, and a kind of unmannerliness which accompanies it,
contrary to the proverb of a gift horse, whose mouth should
not be looked into. But now Easter is coming you shall see
I shall be more civil.
I have also received the cap which you sent me ; but I
cannot tell you how it may be to my liking (for that is the
thing you wish), because, to deal truly with you, I have quite
forgotten whether it be to be used for winter travel in the day
time or for the night. But sure the perfume is so strong that
whether I use it by day or by night it will fill me with head
ache, and if it be for night-use, quite mar my sleep. But your
Lordship must needs be at the pains to send me word how
I must use it. As for the pad-saddle and the martin's fur,
I will stay your own leisure for them ; yet this I'll tell you,
and you may be sure of it, I will not ride my great horse till
I have that saddle. And if you do think that I will not ride
him then neither, the matter is not great.
I have received inclosed in your packet, the Confession of
Captain Innes concerning speeches uttered by Challenour
332 LETTERS.
D. 1637. against your Lordship and myself. And you did extremely
well to separate that flea-biting whicli is against us, from his
far greater crime, concerning which, if Mr. Secretary do not,
I shall give you further account when time shall serve.
I am heartily sorry that all your Lordship's endeavours to
make peace at the College prove now at last to be in vain ; for
I must confess to you, I did and do heartily desire that it
might be peace, and a fair end of a foul business (for better
it is not). But if that cannot be, what remedy? I shall
expect, therefore, that I may receive my brief of the cause
back again, and subscribed by all parties that I have set
down the matters of fact right, or otherwise that they will
make it right where I have mistaken. And then so soon as
that shall come to my hands, I will do that which shall be
found just, and without respect of persons. And yet I am
not quite out of hope for peace. For your Lordship's letters
bear date February ult., and they put me out of all hope ;
but since I have received, March 15th, letters from my Lord
of Derry, wherein he writes thus : ' I forbear in present to
trouble your Grace with the accommodation of the difference
between my Lord Primate and the Provost, which I hope
is effected.' And if his Lordship hope so, I will hope it with
him, and so live in expectation of good news from you in this
particular, in your next despatch.
I have received likewise the duplicates which you sent, and
made an adventure upon Sunday last (after my way), to
move his Majesty about the business which concerns the Lord
Chancellor of Ireland ; and your Lordship will receive by Mr.
Secretary Coke a very good answer to it. For the King gives
leave to that Lord to come over when he will, provided that
cause about his son be ended and settled first. It is time to
cease from troubling you, this being much more than enough
at once. I therefore leave you to God's blessed protection
against a ruinous house and all other dangers, and rest
Your Lordship's
Very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, April 5, 1637.
Roc. 17th.
By Gilbert, the Pursuivant.
LETTERS. 333
I writ to your Lordship in my last for the making of Mr. A. D. 1637.
Harding and Mr. Marshall Senior Fellows of the College,
before the settling of the new statutes. And now I desire
that the not determination of the difference between the
Visitors and the Provost may be no hindrance to it.
1. Because without them it will be more difficult to pro
cure the consent of four seniors with the Provost, which
number at least is necessary to the accepting of the New
Charter.
2. Because after the settling of the New Statutes, it will
be no very good example, so soon to dispense with them in
bringing them in per saltum. I hope this comes not too late ;
if it do, what remedy ?
I told you in my letters I would say something to you in this
by-paper, about the shipping business, if I did not forget it.
the King
'Tis this : 29, 15, 100 trusted this business and the way of
Lord Coventry his a
settling it in the hands of 104, 17, [and] 55, 46, 71, 14, 40,
t to urnye Laud
74, 73, 49, 52, 69, 63, 80, 44q, &c. 200 and 102 knew nothing
of this, but the general ; neither had any of them skill in
the legal rights thereto pertaining. But the counsel learned
Laud
of 102, came to him and informed him, that if one clause
were not added the business would fall short, and the suits
Laud
entered be judged against the Crown. Hereupon 102 ac
quainted 200 with it, and they together acquainted his
The King
Majesty. 100 being thus settled gave order accordingly,
and the business passed without rub, and is under all the
Laud
judges' hands. Besides this, if 29, 21, 10, 18, 200, 102 had
not called it on (by the advice of her counsel also), the
business had not been ended in Candlemas Term, which, the
sickness now increasing (God be merciful to us), would have
been a great retarding of the present collection. Now to
the Queen
your paper. I believe they which stickled with 101, 17,
Laud's c h a m b e r
about 102, 32, 55, 40, 62, 31, 45, 70, against that honourable
Lord Holland
person's intention which writ to you, were 112, 25, but not
i [Sir John Banks.]
334 LETTERS.
A D 1637 Lord Chamberlain'- L. Dorset
* 19, 26, 108. But 59, 12, 34, 50, 70, 71, 43, 74, who you
Lord Chamberlain the Queen
know is 108 to 101, and there I believe is the mistake. For
Lord Holland
I can hardly believe it of the other, unless 28 and 112 drew
him in.
For the other part of the information, I conceive it most
that the o f the Queen g r o w
true 87, 15, 86, 10, party 51, 37, 23, 101, 38, 70, [50,] 75,
44, 72, 22, 53, 45, 69, 80, 26, 91, 69, 5°0, 64, 39, 45. And
I fear some consequences of it very much. But it will not yet
Lord Holland increase
down with me that 27, 112, 46, 64, 32, 70, 43, 42, 71, 45,
th w i th the King
89, 28, 75, 47, 90, 23, 100, but that it doth with more,
the Queen
namely, with 300, 17, 25, 18, 101, 515, that I make no
doubt of.
c omm it ty
The 33, 49, 62, 61, 46, 74, 73, 80 proceeds slowly con-
Lord Holland
cerning 112, 14, 26, 19, 27, but it proceeds, and when any-
the Lord Deputy
thing is concluded, if you ask 130 about it (and he promises
to be in Ireland about that time) he shall be able to tell it
you. But I care not for writing any more in that argument.
I approve all that you say of our brother Nathaniel, and
will not trouble you any more with his memory, saving that
you must know he hath left the greatest part of his estate to
my Lord, the eldest son of my Lord Privy Seal8, who having
but two sons, they agree very well in matters of religion, the
eldest being in love with New England, and the youngest
with Rome. Windebank Tower W. Indies
As little shall I say concerning 23, 115, 189, 190 fc, only
I go on, and do business of the public fairly, but cannot per-
T [There appears to have been a Lord Mandeville, called to the Upper
dispute at this time between Lord House as Lord Kimbolton, afterwards
Holland as Groom of the Stole, and Earl of Manchester, and the celebrated
the Lord Chamberlain (the Earl of Parliamentarian general ; and Walter
Pembroke and Montgomery), con- of whom see vol. iii. p. 229, and above,
cerning the privileges of their respec- p. 233.]
tive offices. See Garrard's letter to * [These two numbers (189, 190)
Wentworth, Nov. 9, 1637. Strafforde may, however, be here used only as
Letters, vol. ii. p. 130.] blinds ; as they are not mentioned in
• [Henry Montague, Earl of Man- the Cipher-list till several months
Chester, was Privy Seal. The two afterwards. See p. 364.1
sons here spoken of are Edward
LETTERS. 335
Laud
suade 102 to do any more than to look as mucli as he can to A. D. 1637
himself, and so will I.
the T. E 1 e c
The resolution concerning 85, 15, 66, 17, 44, 60, 43, 33,
tor
73, 50, 69, I cannot yet say is varied, but it staggers. For
not so much because voluntaries in music do not fill the ears
so much as in former times (as you write), though that also
be most true, and appears grossly in the present particular ;
that Fran
but because we have reason to fear 88, 17, 37, 70, 40, 64,
32, 43, 25, after all 89, 44, 46, 69, 18, 50, 37, 36, 45, 70, 71,
to us
15, 73, 51, 7, 53, 72, 25, which have been large, and what
will their peac
not, 76, 47, 60, 59, make 89, 44, 46, 70, 25, 65, 45, 41, 33,
e and leave us
43, 29, 83, 19, 60, 43, 42, 54, 45, 9, 53, 71.
I confess I ever said this would be, yet saw no remedy, all
o th e r s y d
things being considered on the 50, 90, 44, 69, 5, 72, 80, 34,
43, from 54, 46, 44, 64, 63.
But you have one benefit by it, and I hope I have another ;
the King set
we shall not then see 200, 25, 100, 26, 71, 44, 74, 29, 17,
into a warwith Sp
47, 63, [73,] 49, 12, 40, 7, 76, 42, 69, 76, 48, 89, 14, 71, 66,
a i n e
41, 47, 63, 43.
And yet the front of the old Yorkshire Castle shall be true,
' Yat sail be, sail/
You are mistaken in the next, for I mean to visit Cam
bridge first. All the quarrel that was like to be, was for the
naming first, not for the visiting first. But I perceive you
would fain be at your old Committee in the Lower House
again *. If Cambridge be but named, I see where you are
presently. I hope you do not mean to wrong my Lord
Holland, and affect the Chancellorship in his lifetime.
Ralpho's mistake of legerdemain was a good one, but
* [Does this refer to the proceed- to the Chancellorship of the University ?
ings of the House of Commons, in See Rushworth's Collection, vol. i. p.
1626, on the election of Buckingham 372.]
336 LETTERS.
the Lord Deputy Lord Cottington
A. D. 1637. doth 130 think 110 is familiar with it. I know you can
tell, or else by those beads I would never ask you the
question.
E. North umber Ian
For 44, of 63, 49, 69, 89, 53, 62, 31, 44, 70, 60, 40, 64,
d
34, I have heard lately as much as you write that she is
Lord Cottington
much unsatisfied with the waiting woman 110, 5, 23, 300.
And I confess I did believe it, but now you have confirmed
me in it. Yet I hope my good brother of Rapho u may be
out, and that all the kingdom is not full of it either here or
there.
The business of the soap is ready to come into the old way
again very quietly, and my Lord Cottington agrees to all
that is desired.
So unless the devil have a storm to raise that I see not,
we shall once again be clean. that
I hope 1 have almost taken you out of your fear 88, 7,
48, 74, 17, 76, 46, 60, 59, 19, 31, 43, 15, 40, 17, 76, 4*1, 69,
12, 75, 47, 89, 18, 71, 66, 42, 47, 63, 44, but yet for all that it
must be secret, for all that I writ before is yet uncertain,
but howsoever my conjecture it is.
And if it fall out, hath not the 44, of 59, 45, 32, 43, 92,
e r
44, 70, 27 played the wise man, as I ever thought he would
since I saw his very first letters.
You may have what you will of the infidel in you concern-
the Earl Marshal
ing 107, 310, 29, 15, 10, 400, yet this an infidel may believe
if he will, that the thing is desired. The success may be the
object of your infidelity perhaps.
To your general report on that side of present war with
Spain, I can only say this, I know no such thing, yet if you
have any particulars which should not be overlooked in a
business of this moment, I pray impart them as soon as
may be.
"[John Leslie. (See vol. vi. p. 545.) descendants are the Leslies of Glas-
At his death he was supposed to be lough, Co. Monaghan.J
the oldest Bishop in the world. His
LETTERS. 337
My Lord Bishop of Lincoln, now all his means fail, and A.D.
that the King will not take him off from the Star Chamber,
hath written and printed a book in quarto, almost an inch
thick, intituled the Holy Table, Name and Thing, &c. In
which book there is wit, and reading, and scorn enough —
more like the doings of a younger Master of Arts than of a
bishop. In which he flies upon many things now in use
in the Church Service, and in many things agrees with the
Puritan-principles now on foot. It goes under the name of
a minister of Lincolnshire, but the world says 'twas his*.
My Lord, there is as little judgment in it as there need be.
But what daring is this, to fire the Church for private ends !
In the mean time, the Brethren say his Lordship was once
otherwise, but now God hath laid affliction upon him, that
opened his eyes to see and defend the truth against altars
and superstition. You see what Cambridge men can do
for you.
Well, 'tis time to end. You see by this we have frequent
use of more Lords' names than are in our cipher, ergo I pray
add to it (for I have done it already) 177 for my Lord of
Northumberland, 178 for Earl of Dorset, 179 for Earl of
Leicester, and 180 for the Lord Ashton.
Forget not this trifle.
5 April, 1637.
By Gilbert the Pursuivant.
LETTER CCCXLIII.
TO GEORGE COKE, BISHOP OF HEREFORD.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I AM sorry that my bringing the exempts of the Dean
of Hereford under the ordinary power of your Triennial
Visitation7 should cause so much noise among your officers.
x [The book was said to be only (Strafforde Letters, vol. ii. p. 57.)]
licensed by the Bishop, though no y [See on this subject Laud's letter
doubt it was his own production, to Dean and Chapter of Hereford, Sept.
It is stated that 1,400 copies were 22, 1634.]
printed, which were all speedily sold.
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP. v
338 LETTERS.
A.D. 1637. But I see matter of Fees is in too much respect everywhere,
to say no more.
The best is, I find by your Lordship's letter, that yourself,
Mr. Dean2, and the Chancellora, are content to refer the
settling of the business to me. And I shall, God willing,
take it upon me, and so soon as my counsel for the Canon
law are about me (which will be at the beginning of Term),
1 will make a final order, and set down what is just and fit
in the whole business. And when I have deliberately done
it, I will send my instrument of it, under seal, to settle it
for all the time to come.
The Register you say refuses, and would have a trial at
common law. His ground I hear is, because he got a patent
sealed since the time that the exempts were reduced under
your Lordship's Triennial. When I saw this circumstance,
I thought fit to acquaint his Majesty with it, who best knows
what himself intended, and what I moved. And I assure
your Lordship he is very ill satisfied with the business,
which what it may produce I know not. In the mean time,
since matter of Fees is the quarrel, his Majesty hath com
manded me to write to you to call your Register once more,
and know his answer, whether he (as the rest have done)
will refer the case, so far as it concerns him, to me or not.
If he will, I will make an end of all as I began it. If not,
then his Majesty will think upon another way with him.
In the meantime, thus far his Majesty thinks fit that I declare
for the present, — That no Bishop shall hold his Visitation
longer than the ordinary time of six months from his inhibition
sent out, unless upon great and urgent necessity first made
knowrn to, and approved by, the Lord Archbishop of Canter
bury for the time being. And that the Dean shall not visit
» the exempts in that year in which the Bishop visits, because
that would make them which are within the exempt juris
diction pay twice in one year ; whereas his Majesty intends
reformation and settlement of the jurisdiction, not pressure
upon them that live under it. And, lastly, these are to
require you, in his Majesty's name, that for this your Lord-
* [Jonathan Brown. See vol. iv. • [William Skinner.]
p. 280.]
LETTERS. 339
ship's present Visitation, the Register of the Dean and Chap- A. D. 1637.
ter be suffered to discharge that office within the exempts.
And if your Register at large withstand it, you are hereby
required to suspend him till the whole cause may be heard
and settled. And of this you may not fail. So I leave your
Lordship to God's blessed protection, and rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend and Brother,
W. CANT.
Whatsoever further concerns the Chancellor's right, or the
Register's, or any others, I shall not fail to take care of it,
when I come to draw up my general binding order for the
future.
Lambeth, Apr. 6, 1637.
Endorsed :
' A Copie of my Lers to the Bishop
of Hereford.'
LETTER CCCXLIV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENT WORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
S. in Christ o.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
THOUGH I am at this present writing at large unto you,
in answer of your packet lately received, yet Dr. Went worth
being in London, and calling upon me for a letter to your
Lordship, I would not suffer him to go empty-handed. Yet
I did not think it fit to send my letters of business by him,
but by the hand of William Raylton, whom you trust here
with your affairs. Your Lordship knows what testimony
I gave Dr. Wentworth when I writ unto you after your being
in Oxford, and your intention there made known to the
Doctor.
And of the same opinion I am still, both of the soberness
of his carriage and the goodness of his learning. And for all
other things he hath ever been reported to be of so good
carriage, and of so well tempered a disposition, as that
I verily persuade myself he will be guided by you in all
340 LETTERS.
A.I). 1(337. things. And further, I do conceive it will not be amiss, that
now at his first coming you settle his dependence for Church
directions upon my Lord of Derry, which may preserve him,
being a stranger, from other men getting ground upon him.
I have no more to your Lordship in this argument, neither
do I hold it necessary that I should.
Therefore, leaving your Lordship to God's blessed protec
tion, I rest, now and ever,
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, April 7, 1637.
LETTER CCCXLV.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
»
S. in Christ o.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
THIS bearer, Mr. Gall, was sometimes servant to an an
cient acquaintance of mine, Sir Humphrey Mayb. And having
some employment in those parts about the Crown-office, I am
willing to put these my letters into his hands, which contain
no other business but to present my best respects and service
to your Lordship, and to pray you, so far as you shall find
the bearer honest and deserving, to afford him your counte
nance and encouragement, which he tells me hath already
found in a very good measure. And for which I must give
you very hearty thanks, and rest
Your Lordship's poor Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, April 17th, 1637.
Rec'1- 5 May by Mr. Gall himself.
b [He was appointed Master of the Rolls in 1629. He built a large mansion
at Rawmere in Sussex.]
LETTERS. 341
LETTER CCCXLVI.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENT WORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitz william.]
S. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE been earnestly entreated to trouble your Lordship
with these few lines, and in them to recommend unto your
honourable favour this inclosed petition0. And I do it the
rather, because his request seems to me very reasonable ;
and he tells me he will be content with any indifferent
composition. I doubt not but your Lordship knows the
business already much better than I ; and if for his sake to
whom he had relation, and mine, you shall be pleased to
show him kindness, at least such as hath been extended to
others in the like case, I shall give your Lordship humble
thanks, and with my prayers for your health, rest
Your Lordship's
Very loving poor Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, April 19th, 1637.
Recd. 27th June, by Gilford Slingsby.
LETTER CCCXLV1I.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzvvilliam.]
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
NEVER did anything fall out more happily than that
this bearer brought me a short letter d, for I was never so
oppressed with business in my life, and the greater part
uncomfortable business too. For now Prinn, Bast wick, and
Burton have increased their violence, and their railing in
such sort as would weary patience itself.
c [This was a petition from Laurence Council to the contrary. He repre-
L'lsle, praying that he might still sents that he had married a near
continue to collect the imposts on kinswoman of the late Duke of Buck-
tobacco and tobacco-pipes, under the ingham.]
lease which he held by letters patent, d [See Struftbrde Letters, vol. ii.
notwithstanding the order of the Irish p. 66.]"
342 LETTERS.
A.D. 1637. And, indeed, my Lord, if some speedy order be not taken,
and a round one too, I shall have too much cause to think
m y e life
that 61, 79, 44, 17, 59, 46, 36, 45, 29, is aimed at. God's
will be done.
But to your Lordship's letter, I say briefly, I have read
over both your duplicates, and I take myself infinitely bound
to your trust, which I will not deceive. Neither will I take
notice of them to his Majesty nor of the things themselves
further than he shall please to open himself, only I have let
fall so much to him as you have thought fit I should.
And thereupon his Majesty told me your Lordship had
given him an answer about the Londoners3 business, and
withal certain reasons against you know what. About which
he said he had given some overture to you in a former letter,
that you might the better provide yourself there against the
worst, should it happen.
In this discourse his Majesty was short, only he gave me
to know that he liked your pains very well, and your careful
expressions in that great business. But whether I shall
advise you to second and fortify your reasons, or leave it,
now you have thus far done your duty, I cannot well tell
what to say. Yet to second them may do good, but then let
it be very briefly, and without repetition of anything but the
danger.
For my own judgment, if you will have me speak out, I
much fear the regaining of the Palatinate any wray. I see no
likelihood but force, and I cannot see force enough.
Nor did I ever like conjunctures with many. And I can-
C a r de
not tell whether the 32, 40, 69, 35, 28, 15 will be more false
to us, than they are malicious against us. To say truth to
you, there hath been so much jangling on all sides, that I
protest I neither know what to do, nor what to say. But I
the King
keep as close to this lock as I can, that 100 will not trust 29,
a
10, 300, 17, 450, nor indeed any of them, nor enter into 41,
war
12, 76, 42, 70, 23, unless she can see how to come safely out,
or continue powerfully in. This opinion others seem to be
e [Cardinal Richelieu.]
LETTERS. 343
of as well as myself, and yet when the spleen rises against A..D. 1637
— f, their own maxims are forgotten. I pray you be
sure I will do what I can for my master's honour and safety,
whose expectation soever it cross.
But what good I shall do by it, God knows. That I am
like to do myself hurt, I know. I am heartily sorry your
eyes are so ill affected, but you do well to give yourself some
ease, and country air together.
I hope that will send you home well to Dublin. The truth
is, you over-drudge yourself, and I doubt at unseasonable
hours. For God's sake, look to it, for if you wear out your
self, I will give over all the little hope I have to see any
settlement of any one thing.
They of the city of York turn all the hearing that was
before the King and the Lords when you were present, and
all the settlement made by you in the north at your after-
being there, to the greater prejudice of the Church. I think
we must petition the King again for a further hearing, or at
least explaining of the business. And I heartily pray your
Lordship (according to your wonted nobleness) that if we be
driven to call for any assistance from you, we may have it.
I know you will not prefer the city before the cathedral,
though Mr. Prinn should be angry with you for it g.
My Lady Duchess is now recovering11, God be thanked;
but she hath been in great danger. I believe, when she is
a little better recovered, my Lord Antrim will be with you
again ; and I heartily thank your Lordship for all your noble
respects to her.
If by my next letters I can give you no better account of
myself against those bold libellers, I will give over all hope
of either contentment or safety in the poor remainder of my
life, which, under God and the King, is at your service, and
so is the owner of it
Your Lordship's
Most assured Friend and humble Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, April 26, 1637.
Recd- May 11.
f [This blank occurs in the MS.] iv. pp. 162, 163, and vol. vi. p. 501.)]
K [This probably refers to the new h [See above, p. 330.]
charter of the city of York. (See vol.
344 LETTERS.
A.D. 1637.
LETTER CCCXLVIII.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE TOUR MAJESTY,
UPON our 6th of April last, I received two letters ; the
one of them from the hands of Colonel Fleetwood ', which
concerns his present employment from Sweden, and the
state of the great business as it relates to them, concerning
which I can yet say little till we hear again out of France.
For your Majesty's other letter, I give you most humble
thanks that you are pleased to write so nobly to me about
the mistake of my letters concerning the King's allowance
of twelve thousand pounds a year, &c.k For certainly, Madam,
though I am as much subject to error as any man, yet in
that particular I am most sure I did not mistake my com
mission. And I am abundantly satisfied with the nobleness
of your Majesty's respects to me, and your assurance given
me that I stand upright in your opinion notwithstanding any
of these shadows.
Concerning the giving of the title of Emperor to the late
King of Hungary1, I assure your Highness his Majesty hath
not hitherto done it, nor, I believe, will he do it in haste to
the prejudice of your son the Prince; yet this, I believe, will be
found considerable, if (I say if) France and the Low Countries
give it him, whether the King's denying it alone will be fit
for his Majesty or behoveful for the Prince Elector.
As for his Highness being Vicar in the vacancy m, I did,
according to your Majesty's desires, acquaint the King with
it. His Majesty acknowledged you had written to him about
it, and that he would give you his own answer himself.
Concerning the fishing, I did write clearly to your Majesty
my own thoughts, and but my own, that the King would
1 [He had come over to England to elector, the election of the Emperor,
raise troops for the Swedish service in in which he took part, was illegal ;
support of the Elector Palatine.] that consequently the Empire was
k [See above, p. 290.] vacant, and that her son might assert
1 [Ferdinand III. just elected em- his ancestral right to execute the
peror.] office of Vicar-General during the
m [' The Queen maintained, that as vacancy.' — Mrs. Green's Life of Queen
the Duke of Bavaria, the supplanter of Bohemia, p. 556.]
of her husband, was not a legitimate
LETTERS. 345
have other employment for his navy this summer than to A.D. 1637.
think of that n ; and therefore I heartily thank your Majesty
for not making me the author of it. For, indeed, while I
write freely, and give my reason for what I write, I would not
have my name in question ; my reason only need be approved
if it be thought sufficient, or rejected if otherwise.
Mr. Dinglye hath said no more to me than your Majesty
writ, which makes me presume you forgot nothing which
your Highness intended to write at present. And for myself,
since you are pleased again to desire it, I shall write with my
wonted freedom, and assure myself of your gracious and
constant favour to
Your Majesty's humble Servant,
W. CANT.
May 3, 1637.
Endorsed :
' The copye of mye answear to the
two Leters wch I receaued fro ye
Q. of Bohemia, April 6.'
LETTER CCCXLIX.
TO THE DEAN AND CHAPTER OP CANTERBURY.
[Domestic Correspondence, S.P.O.]
S. in Christ o.
AFTER my hearty commendations, &c.
It is not long since I found leisure to take an account
from my Vicar- General (from whom also I received your own
letters) concerning my triennial Visitation ; and amongst
other particularshe tells me, that he received twenty pounds
from that Church for my procurations. I cannot but take
this expression of your love very kindly from your whole
company ; and therefore I do riot only hereby give you all
very hearty thanks, but shall desire you henceforward, if it
please God I live to visit again, to put yourselves no more to
such charge with me, for all I shall expect is only that you
will give my Vicar-General and other commissioners enter
tainment for that day, for which I shall thank you, and that
the business itself may proceed to the good of the Church.
n [See above, p. 322. ]
346 LETTERS.
A.. D. 1637. And having this opportunity, there is one thing more which
I must desire you to take present care of ; which is, that a
true inventory be made with all convenient speed of all the
muniments and records belonging to that Church, and that
the records themselves, together with the inventory afore
said, be thereupon brought down from the upper into the
inner room of the Treasury, and there carefully and safely
laid up, to be kept under three keys, as is directed by statute.
And it were very fitting, upon this removal, you would
employ some skilful and trusty person to digest them all into
some apt and good order, that you may, upon any occasion,
with very little trouble, make use of them as often as you
shall need. And whereas, to the outer room of the Trea
sury aforesaid there are two doors, the common door,
which is ordered by statute to have two locks and keys,
and another private door leading to the Dean's lodgings, I
think it very requisite, and I doubt not but Mr. Dean that
now is ° will freely give consent, that this door likewise have
two locks and keys of a different making, to be kept as the
former, his Majesty's pleasure being that neither the Dean
without the knowledge of some Prebend, nor any Prebend
without the knowledge of the Dean, should have access to
things of that nature. So, not doubting of your care herein,
I leave you all to God's blessed protection, and rest
Your very loving Friend.
Lambeth, May 9, 1637.
Endorsed :
' A copie of my Letter to ye Deane
and Chapter of Cant, concerninge
1 Procurations.
2 Their evidences.'
LETTER CCCL.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
S. in Christ o.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I HAVE been intreated by some noble friends of your
Lordship's and mine, here in Court, to write these my letters
0 [Isaac Bargrave. (See vol. iii. p. 206.)]
LETTERS. 347
to you in the behalf of Sir Hamond Le Strange, a Norfolk A. p. 1637.
gentleman P. And because I have heard very well of him,,
and that from very good hands, I do the more earnestly pray
your Lordship to take notice of him and his cause when he
comes to wait upon you. His business I understand not,
but only in the general, which is concerning a claim that he
intends to make touching some lands in that kingdom, to
which he is confident he shall be able to prove he hath very
clear and good title.
I heartily pray your Lordship to show him all just and
lawful favour, and to let him know that I have been as good
as my word, in writing to you in his behalf.
So having nothing else to trouble your Lordship at this
time, I wish you all health and happiness. And shall ever
rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, May 22, 1637.
R3cd> June 26.
LETTER CCCLI.
TO SIR JOHN LAMBE.
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
SIR JOHN LAMBE,
THOUGH this woman's husband, Isaac Knight, deserve but
little favour in regard of his wilful obstinacy and contempt
of the Court, yet for his poor wife's sake, being great with
child, I shall be content that he be released upon good bail
until his wife be delivered. And to that end I heartily pray
you to call to you two Commissioners more, and see it done.
And, in the meantime, he shall do well to advise with some
sober men, and leave this his peevish humour.
So I rest, in haste, your loving Friend,
W. CANT.
May 25, 1637.
Endorsed by Lambe :
1 His Gr. note to bail Isaac Knight,
prisoner.'
[See vol. vi. p. 502.]
348 LETTERS.
A.D. 1637.
LETTER CCCLII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
S. in Christ o.
MY VERY GOOD LORD
ALL Court — pen, ink, and paper — is this letter, and there
very ready they are to do you service, and so am I, but pro
posse meo, which is little enough. Here my Lord Antrim
meets me, and a letter to your Lordship he will have, and I
cannot deny it him.
The best is, 'tis to give you thanks, as you daily give me
cause to do. And at this time I shall ask no new thing,
but only the continuance of your noble favour to this Lord.
What counsels he and his lady have taken together, I know
not, neither of them saying anything to me worthy deli
beration.
So I leave them to their best liking, and am of opinion,
as I was, that Ireland will not be resolved on, to live there
for a time.
I am confident of your favour to this young Earl, and to
your honourable care of him I leave him.
I have no news to write, but that which concerns myself
jjuid my profession, and I cannot write what I would, being
from my cipher. But 'tis no matter to speak plainly of the
libels which fly abroad in all places.
I believe somewhat will be done this term to repress them,
else I must look to be the subject of God knows how many
more.
The Bishop of Lincoln's cause is come to publication, and
they say shall be heard this next term, and some things have
of late come strangely out; but what will be the issue of
things, God knows.
Well, I would I were with you for an hour, for here at this
distance I cannot say enough.
LETTERS. 349
This I can say, and say it daily, God bless you and your A. D. 1637
proceedings, which are wishes fit for
Your Lordship's
Faithful Friend and humble Servant,
W. CANT.
Whitehall, Whitsunday, May 28, 1637.
Recd> June 10.
LETTER CCCLIII.
TO ISAAC BARGRAVE, DEAN OF CANTERBURY."1
[Domestic Correspondence, S. P. O.]
S. in Christ o.
SIR,
IT troubles me not a little that I have taken so much
care for the honour and peace of that Church as I have done,
and with so little success ; one peevish difference or other,
for better I cannot name them, still arising to disturb all that
is well meant. Yet, nevertheless, I shall expect some better
success hereafter, and hope that you will better join in those
things which concern the public good of that Church. And
to the particulars of your present letterr, I shall give you this
answer following : —
(1.) To your first desire. I am very well content that you
respite your answer to my Articles 8 till your Chapter at Mid
summer, that so it may come the fuller — the more of you
being present. And, in the meantime, I have received your
thanks for remission of your future procurations*, which
thanks is payment enough to me, who shall constantly en
deavour- your good without a desire to reap profit from you.
(2.) For the second, concerning the muniments : they
cannot be kept too safe. And I am of opinion there ought
to be more than one key to that door which leads unto them.
i [See above, vol. iii. p. 206. It may Esq., of Eastry Court, whose lady is a
he here added that he married Sir lineal descendant of Dr. Bargrave.'
Henry Wotton's only niece, that he Wordsworth's note on Walton's Life
was appointed overseer of his will, of Wotton in Eccl. Biog. vol. iv. p.
and received from him as a bequest 107.1
his Italian books, and several other r [This letter, dated May 30, is still
legacies. A picture of Wotton, and preserved in S. P. 0.]
several other portraits, believed to 8 [These Articles are printed in vol.
have been in his collection, are in v. p. 468.]
the possession of Thomas Bridges, l [See above, p. 345.]
350 LETTERS.
A. P. 1687. And in all Churches and Colleges, that I have had know
ledge of, the Dean hath one key, and some other officer or
officers among the Prebends have the other key or keys,
according to the several statutes. And so do I think it
more fit it should be with you. Besides, were I Dean, I would
not be trusted to have a single key to those muniments, nor
be liable to a suspicion, if by any accident a loss should
happen. Therefore, to your two desires in consequence
upon this particular, I shall thus advise : First, all Deans
have some keys delivered them, and as ensigns (if you will so
call them), but not of your right to the Deanery, but of such
interest and trust as, together with the Deanery, is committed
unto you. But this trust is not exclusive of that other, which
is committed to some officers among the Prebends ; the
muniments being the common right and interest of them, as
well as of the Dean. So you are not to resign your keys, or
any of them. But other keys only are to be fitted, according
as your new statutes require. And to the second, concerning
your private door, that was certainly matter of convenience
only, and you may keep it still if you please. So that the
muniments, little or great, be all kept in the inner room, and
neither in the outer nor in the upper room. But if evidences
be kept in either of these rooms, then I think it most fit that
your private door be either nailed up, or a bolt put to the
inner side, towards the evidences. For I am still upon this
principle, that no man, Dean or other, ought to come to the
evidences by a single key. Nor would I be so trusted, if I
might.
(3.) Concerning the third. I am very sorry, as I have
often already been, for such idle differences as have fallen
out amongst you, which can have no ground, but either a
little spleen or an over-earnest desire for every man to have
his own will. Yet, because I love to see my way before me,
I do hereby pray and require you, to cause them which differ
from you in the choice of Baylie, to give me the reason briefly,
under their hands, why they refuse. And then, so soon as I
have received that, I shall either require them to conform to
you, and the rest, if I dislike their reason ; but if I approve
it, then I shall recommend it to your consideration.
(4.) To your fourth, it is true that I expressed myself to
LETTERS. 351
Mr. Comptroller, that I thought it might be fit enough for A. D.I 637.
a tenant of good note to inhabit Mr. Moulyn's prebendal
house, in regard he lives wholly absent and out of the king
dom11. But I cannot hold it very seemly that other Prebends
should let away their houses, and then when they come either
to keep their residence, or upon any other occasion, to the
Chapters, they must come as sojourners, and have no house
to be in ; besides the filling of the precinct of the Church
with over many inhabitants. And if other Prebends (Vossius
exceptedv, who lives out of the kingdom as well as Moulyn)
shall, by this example, let their houses too, I doubt I shall be
driven to deny what I have already granted, rather than set
open such an inconvenient door. And I hope when you writ
to Mr. Comptroller about Sir Thomas Morton, you had no
purpose to make that a leading case, to fill that place with
tenants. Therefore, I pray, be very careful what is done in
this kind.
(5.) Concerning your fifth and last business, I would have
you for the first branch of it, which is the repairing of your
house, speak with the Prebends at your next Chapter, and
see what they will say to you concerning your proposal. And
then I shall do according to all which I shall find reasonable.
And for the vault, I have read over Mrs. Anyan'sx letter, and
send it you here again as a part of your evidence. And when
Sir Nath. Brent comes down, I will cause him (if he find
the vault to belong to your Deanery) to restore it to you;
unless Dr. Peake? do surrender it voluntarily beforehand, or
else prevail so far with you as to let him have the use of it,
as Dr. Anyan had before, with acknowledgment under his
hand that it is belonging to your house.
I shall be very glad once to hear there were peace amongst
you. For certainly the way you are in is neither for your own
credits nor the honour of the Church. As for that which you
move in the close of your letters, I shall write (as you desire)
against your Midsummer Chapter, if I have any leisure to
n [Peter Du Moulin, the well-known x [The widow of Dr. Thomas Anyan,
French Protestant divine. He was Prebendary of the twelfth stall. He
Prebendary of the fourth stall.] is mentioned vol. iv. p. 233, and above,
v [Gerard John Vossius, Laud's cor- p. 42.]
respondent. He was Prebendary of y [Humphrey Peake, Dr. Anyan's
the eleventh stall.] successor.]
352 LETTERS.
A.D. 3637. remember it; though I think you have power enough in
your hands to keep the Prebends in good order at your public
meetings. So wishing you all health and happiness, I leave
you to God's blessed protection, and rest
Your very loving Friend,
W. C.
Lambeth, June 3, 1637.
Endorsed :
'A Copie of my Lers to the Deane
of Cant., June 3, 1637.'
LETTER CCCLIV.
TO LORD ASTON7.
[Spanish Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
S. in Christ o,
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
I RECEIVED your Lordship's letters by your Secretary,
and heartily thank you for them ; for they give me a great
deal of assurance of your Lordship's noble respects to me.
And withal I thank you for your forbearance to write till
you had something which might fit your letters to me. For
as for that which concerns your public service, I meet with
that at the Committee.
The difference between the Fathers of the Society and the
secular priests, I can easily imagine, is eager enough in those
parts where they have all liberty and freedom, since I find
that here amongst us, where some restraint is held upon
them, they cannot forbear some bitter oppositions. And
whereas your Lordship desires to know wherein you may be
useful to me, the best service you can do me is to acquaint
me with such Church businesses as may happen there, if
there be any worth my knowledge. Further I have not at
present to trouble your Lordship, but to wish that our busi
ness might, to your honour and our good, go better on in
z [Sir Walter Aston of Tixall was ' Cabala.' He was created Baron As-
employed, in 1619, to negotiate the ton November 28, 1627. In 1635 he
Spanish match, when he joined the was again sent as ambassador to Spain,
Church of Rome. Many of his letters from whence he returned in 1638, and
written at this time are preserved in died the following year.]
LETTERS. 353
that court, which I must leave to God's blessing, to whose A. D. 1637
protection I recommend you, and rest
Your Lordship's very loving Friend to serve you,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, June 14, 1637.
To the right Honble> my very good
Lord the Lord Aston' His Ma1***
Embassador in the Courte of
Spayne at Madrid, these.
LETTER CCCLV.
TO THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.
[German Correspondence, S. P. 0.]
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,
I AM much bound to your Highness for all your favours
and great expressions towards me ; but none hath given me
more content than that your Majesty is pleased to take such
satisfaction in mine, and to assure me that I shall never be
deceived in my confidence.
I did not think when I received your last letters of May |-f ,
that the Princes, your sons, would so soon after have been
coming towards youa. But the business with the French is
in good forwardness now, and that hath hastened the Prince
Elector to return to look to his business on that side. How
things stand for this treaty his Highness will be able to give
you a particular account without my adding to it.
For the Swedes, I doubt not but his Majesty will now give
them such answer as is fit. And I will hope you prophesy
truly of them, that we shall have most reason to trust them,
but yet for all that I do not love to be too confident of persons
or things at so great distance.
*• [They left on June 26. (See entry wished that he might break his neck'
in Diary at that date.) They had been (in hunting) 'so that he might leave
in England ever since the previous his bones in England.' (Garrard to
year. They were very unwilling to Wentworth, Strafforde Letters, vol. ii.
leave, especially Prince Rupert, 'who p. 85.)]
LAUD. — VOL. VI. APP.
354 LETTERS.
A. D. 1637. Concerning his Majesty's giving or not giving the title of
Emperor to the King of Hungary, I assure myself his Ma
jesty will do nothing but that which shall relate to the best
good for the Prince Elector. And if the French King do it not
there while, 'tis well ; I hope he will not. Yet we hear daily
of open passages and securities given for coming to Cullen,
and the like. And I am a little to seek how these things can
be had without acknowledging the Emperor.
I am very glad that your Majesty hath received your books b,
and likes them ; and I hope, as you have occasion to use
more, your Majesty will be pleased to command that service
from me.
If the Prince of Orange be gone, or going into the field,
God be his good speed. The like I heartily wish to the
young Prince Maurice, your son. And your Majesty doth
exceeding well to put him into action betimes.
The heat hath been as great here as in those parts. And
to me nothing is so troublesome. And I cannot but doubt
it will prove a wet and an unwholesome summer, after this
long, early, and fierce heat °.
I pray God bless your Majesty and the two young Princes
who are now coming towards you. They have both been
very kind and respective of me in this time of their stay
here. I heartily thank them for it. And if your Majesty
will honour me so much as to thank them at my entreaty,
I shall hold it for a great favour done me. And shall be most
ready to serve both your Majesty and them, as becomes
Your Majesty 's
Faithful Friend and humble Servant,
W. C.
«
Lambeth, June 22, 1637.
Endorsed :
' The Copye of my Lrs to the Qus
of Bohem.'
b [See above, p. 323.]
c [This anticipation was fulfilled. See Letter of Oct. Ito Wentworth.]
LETTERS. 355
LETTER CCCLVI. A. D. 1037.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT WENTWORTH.
[In the possession of Earl Fitzwilliam.]
S. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
YOUR letters of June 1 came safe to my hands, but
having no business occasioned by them, I returned you no
answer. And the rather because I should shortly have cause
enough to write to you.
On Wednesday, June 14, three of our great libellers, Bast-
wick, Burton, and Prinn, were taken pro confessis (for answer
they would not in form of law), and censured to perpetual
imprisonment : Bastwick at the Castle of [Launceston] in
Cornwall, Burton at the Castle in Lancaster, and Prinn at
the Castle in Carnarvon ; fined five thousand pounds apiece ;
to stand in the pillory, and lose their ears (for Prinn's ap
peared at the bar scarce touched, or but at the hemd),
and Prinn to be branded in the face with S. L. for a slan
derous libeller and incorrigible ; Burton to be deprived and
degraded first.
At this hearing I was driven to speak long, and to satisfy
both the court and the auditory that there was no change of
religion thought on, but that this libellous rumour was cast
out to distemper the kingdom, and fire the Church and the
State, — that some might perish, the most innocent, perhaps,
and others run away by the light. And though your Lord
ship knows what uses not to be wanting in multiloquio e, yet
the King hath, at the solicitation of some lords, commanded
me to print it ; and here I send your Lordship some copies
for yourself and my friends there, being as willing to hear
my faults from you as from stranger sf.
I cannot prove it, but I have strong conjecture that the
Lord Bishop of Lincoln hath more hands than beseems him
in this business ; as if he meant to fire all because himself is
in danger. His cause is now in hearing — the charge not yet
d [His ears had already been cropped e [' In multiloquio non deerit pee-
as part of his punishment for the pub- catum.' Prov. x. 19.]
lication of ' Histriomastix.'] f [This speech is printed in vol. vi.]
A A 2
356 LETTERS.
A. T>. 1637. past, and we are commanded to sit till it be sentenced (one
cause at the least), though term be done.
I cannot tell what he will be able to wash off, when he
comes to his defence : but there hath appeared as foul prac
tising with witnesses, even to subornation of perjury, as ever
I heard in that court g. I am sorry it should be so, for his
coat's sake ; but so it is. And since publication, there is
other stuff come to light, which (they say) must have another
information against him. Indeed, if that can be proved, 'tis
one of the foulest things that ever was heard of h.
The paper was read in court. And I cannot tell what
to call it, but a kind of catechism to teach a man to equivo
cate, and elude all examinations and interrogatories put to
him : indeed, it tends to the utter subversion of all courts
of justice. But how far forth the Bishop is or will be found
guilty, I cannot tell.
I have put some copies of my speech *, such as it is, to
my other friends with you, and do pray that some servant of
yours may see them delivered. And I hope for the weakness
of this, you will not value me at a less rate than before, since
in weakness or strength I am
Your Lordship's poor Friend and Servant,
W. CANT.
Lambeth, Jtmii 28, 1637.
LETTER CCCLVII.
TO THE LORD VISCOUNT CONWAY •>.
[Conway Papers, S. P. Ok.]
Sal. in Christo.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,
YOUR kindness hath put me into very great arrear. For
I have received three letters from you, and as yet not returned
you one. The truth is, I was never so tired with a term in
* [See Laud's speech against Wil- i [Against Bastwick, Burton, and
Hams, in vol. vi.] Prynne, mentioned just above.]
h [There is in S. P. 0. Domestic J [The second Viscount Conway and
Correspondence, June 16, 1637, along Killulta. (Seevol. vi. pp. 602, seq.) He
paper all in Laud's hand, endorsed, had at this time a command in the fleet.]
' L. B. Lincoln Starchamber. Causes k [These papers, originally in the
for the Starchamber.'] possession of the Marquis of Hert-
LETTERS. 357
my life, and we have yet three days to come in the Star A.D. 1637.
Chamber ; receive this for one.
It was news to me when your first letters came to me, that
they of Sallee were setting forty sail to sea, and that they
were so happily prevented by the coming of Capt. Rayns-
[borough]1.7 Tis great pity that some way or other should [not]
be thought on to stay him there, till it be nearer Michael
mas m. 1 perceive by this, it will be no hard matter, if the
King please, to make them of Sallee understand themselves.
My Lord, the beginning of your second letter puts me in
mind of a poor man, yet a friend of your Lordship's, concern
ing whom you spake a little to me at your parting. And
I remember you told me then he was the only man that spake
truth in court. For there you tell a story of a wise king, and a
wise man that came to him, and an honest withal, and how he
demeaned himself, leaving others to tell the news that was bad.
After this you apply your story, and tell me the weather is
too cold (as warm as it is) for honesty nakedly to profess itself.
That season being usually as short as a summer in Muscovia,
and will easily grow cold, if it [find not] some ark to cover it.
Your Lordship here enjoins me to secrecy; and a[ccord-
ingly] I will make bold to tell that Court acquaintance of
yours what [it is he] wants, and advise him to learn it
in time, to clothe it with art [or somewhat] else against a
cold season comes. And if he be not too old [to see and]
believe, he will take very good heed to that which you have
[mentioned] in so ingenious a way.
Now for the business; I am clear[ly of opini]on that if
they which have the Letters of Marte n take goods out
of Dutch bottoms, it will, and that suddenly, destroy the
King's customs at Dover, and so I declared myself, where
it was proper to speak, and I hope that business is well settled.
ford, and which were given by him to poem on the occasion. (Sec D'Israeli's
the Eight Hon. J. Wilson Croker, ' Charles I./ the chapter on the Sove-
were presented to the country by the reignty of the Seas.]
latter gentleman in 1857, and are now '" [He remained out till November,
deposited in the State Paper Office. See Strafforde Letters, vol. ii. p. 86.]
This letter is only a modern transcript.] " [Letters of Mart were at this time
1 [The King thought mnch of Captain granted to persons of high rank.
Rainsborough, for his services again?t Garrard mentions the Earl of War-
the Sallee pirates. He directed that wick, Lord Mandeville, Lord Saye,
he should be presented with a costly an 
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